What is the meaning of life? That’s the age-old question that Solomon sought to answer almost 3000 years ago. Solomon’s desire was to be a great leader to the people of Israel, so God gave Solomon great wisdom. Since Solomon didn’t ask out of selfish motives but rather for the good of his nation, God gave him the greatest wealth the world had ever known, in addition to wisdom that was unequaled. With Solomon’s great wisdom and wealth, he sought satisfaction from life. With his boundless resources he pursued every whim, dream and desire; yet, when all was done, he still found life to be a lot of futile activity. No matter what a person accomplishes, they will die and leave it to the next person, and they have no control over that. Solomon concluded that all the efforts we make to gain and attain, to find satisfaction in this world is like chasing the wind.

Scriptures – Ec 1:2, 4, 17-18, 2:3-11, 17-19, 12:13

Verses – “Meaningless! Meaningless!” says the Teacher. “Utterly meaningless! Everything is meaningless.” (Ec 1:2) Generations come and generations go, but the earth remains forever. (Ec 1:4) I hated all the things I had toiled for under the sun, because I must leave them to the one who comes after me. And who knows whether that person will be wise or foolish? Yet they will have control over all the fruit of my toil into which I have poured my effort and skill under the sun. This, too, is meaningless. (Ec 2:18-19) The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God, and keep his commandments; for that is the whole duty of everyone. (Ec 12:13)

Thought – If we ponder the futility of life for too long, we can sink into a pretty deep hole! No matter how much effort and energy we put into our work and how much we strive for satisfaction, the truth is that all of our efforts are, as Solomon says, “meaningless.” I think we know this down deep inside, whether we choose to admit it or not. Yet, as you look around and see people so invested in accomplishments and racing through each day with an agenda that is unrealistic and a stress level that does anything but bring satisfaction, you have to wonder “why?” No doubt, we are all created with a deep desire to find satisfaction, to grasp the meaning of life, the meaning of our existence. People continue to search by pursuing knowledge, materialism, status, and escape through alcohol, drugs, sex, etc. just at Solomon did. But Solomon did find the meaning of life. The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments; for that is the whole duty of everyone. (Ec 12:13) Once we recognize that only God can satisfy our heart, soul and mind, then we can find satisfaction in our work, our recreation, our possessions and in all that God has loaned us during the days he’s given us here on earth. 

Questions – What is your present life satisfaction level on a scale of 1-10? Explain? Why do we chase “things”, when we know they won’t bring satisfaction? What have you chased, attained and found to be unfulfilling? How do you feel about accumulating wealth to leave to your heirs? How would you rewrite the saying, “Eat, drink and be merry, for tomorrow we may die.”? What is the truth in this saying? What is the deception?

Response – Determine your present life satisfaction level. What do you need to work on in your spiritual life, in your relationship with God that will increase your overall satisfaction?

Prayer – Oh Lord, you created me and created this magnificent world for me to enjoy. Help me to truly appreciate the beauty you have placed around me and the relationships you have given me. May I always recognize that you are the source of joy, hope, peace and satisfaction. Thank you for filling my heart’s desire with your love. In Jesus Name I pray, amen.