Futile

I started reading Ecclesiastes yesterday. I came across the heading in chapter two called: The Futility of Pleasure. King Solomon was definitely in a pretty frustrating spot when he penned this chapter. He says that everything is meaningless. I found myself disagreeing with a lot of what he says about life, work and pleasure. He finally gives the proper credit to God for all that he has.

King Solomon was known for his great wisdom and his great wealth. I would think that with both of those attributes they would be joy. He doesn’t appear joyful when he penned chapter two. Check this out….

¹¹ But as I looked at everything I had worked so hard to accomplish, it was all so meaningless—like chasing the wind. There was nothing really worthwhile anywhere.

¹⁷ So I came to hate life because everything done here under the sun is so troubling. Everything is meaningless—like chasing the wind.

²⁴ So I decided there is nothing better than to enjoy food and drink and to find satisfaction in work. Then I realized that these pleasures are from the hand of God.²⁵ For who can eat or enjoy anything apart from him? ²⁶ God gives wisdom, knowledge, and joy to those who please him.But if a sinner becomes wealthy, God takes the wealth away and gives it to those who please him. This, too, is meaningless—like chasing the wind. (Ecclesiastes 2:11,17,24-26 NLT)

I find meaning and purpose in every area of my life when I have the Lord in His proper place. Having Him in His proper place gives me perspective on all the other areas of my life. I heard a good Christian man say that he’s been broke and he’s been wealthy, and wealthy is much better! I believe when I have the proper perspective on my work as well as my pleasure, the Lord is honored and pleased.

I guess I simply disagree with Solomon that everything is meaningless. On the contrary, I believe things that I don’t think are meaningful are often of great importance on my journey to know His heart. I believe the Lord has used the futile times in my life to prepare me for times that are significant and meaningful. The “Difference Maker” is Jesus -the One and Only Son of God. Since He came to earth, we see the Father differently. He reveals the heart of God like I’m not convinced Solomon saw while he was alive.  Jesus is One Solitary Life that made every life significant. He brought grace and mercy with Him. Forgiveness was catapulted into a whole new realm when Jesus came. I see life as very meaningful because Jesus came. There are times an activity might appear meaningless, but I think the Lord uses meaningless activities to point to how meaningful my relationship with Him has become.

Pressing On!

Dwayne