Scripture: Isaiah 41:10; Exodus 15:2; 1 Chronicles 16:11; 1 Peter 4:11-12; 1 Corinthians 1:25-26; Psalm 33:4-6; John 6:47; Romans 6:23
We live in a time when everyone longs for happiness and satisfaction. Simply look around and you will see that the world strives for this in different ways. We look for it in things such as: education, wealth, pleasure, and work, to name a few.
Yet many are filled with disbelief, disillusionment and despair. Why? For some it is because they can’t afford college; or there is not enough money to make ends meet. Maybe they experience sadness on a daily basis; or they are out of work. In fact, many are asking, “What is the true meaning to life?” or “Is happiness really attainable?”
In the book of Ecclesiastes we have recorded one man’s search for happiness and the true meaning to life. Upon the death of David, Solomon was appointed king in his father’s place. He entered his kingship with deep reverence and a spirit of humility as he communicated with God (1 Kings 3:7-9). In turn, God gave him wisdom (1 Kings 4:29-31).
Solomon was a great king who cared for God and God’s people. He was a man of wisdom and deep spiritual devotion. But something horrible happened – Solomon strayed away from God. Solomon, at the end of a log and exhaustive quest, concludes that life is meaningless and vain.
Only at the very end of the book are we given any hint of an alternative. For Solomon, it seems the answer came too late. But it was Solomon’s gift to us that his own wasted life becomes the ultimate object lesson for listening to God rather than our own wisdom.
I point out here that Ecclesiastes has to do with three fundamental questions:
In the book of Ecclesiastes we have recorded one man’s search for happiness and the true meaning to life. Upon the death of David, Solomon was appointed king in his father’s place. He entered his kingship with deep reverence and a spirit of humility as he communicated with God (1 Kings 3:7-9). In turn, God gave him wisdom (1 Kings 4:29-31).
Solomon was a great king who cared for God and God’s people. He was a man of wisdom and deep spiritual devotion. But something horrible happened – Solomon strayed away from God. Solomon, at the end of a log and exhaustive quest, concludes that life is meaningless and vain.
Only at the very end of the book are we given any hint of an alternative. For Solomon, it seems the answer came too late. But it was Solomon’s gift to us that his own wasted life becomes the ultimate object lesson for listening to God rather than our own wisdom.
I point out here that Ecclesiastes has to do with three fundamental questions:
1. Why am I here?
2. What is the meaning of life?
3. How can I be happy?
This book challenges every popular notion of what leads to fulfillment and the “good life.” It is one of the most relevant books in the entire Bible for the society in which we live. The message of Ecclesiastes is simple: Without God there is no meaning to life!
Prayer: Heavenly Lord, I know I am not alone saying prayers or reading your Word today, but many people unknown to me, from all stations of life, have joined together in this brief moment of devotion. May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be among the community of all who pray in the name of Christ today, and remain among us always. Amen
God bless you!
Nikki
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