October 2, 2011

Ecclesiastes 1:12-18 (Click to see scripture)

Bible in One Year Passages:
John 1:14-18, James 1:12-18, Jeremiah 3-4

Journal Entry

Scripture

I have seen everything that is done under the sun, and behold, all is vanity and a striving after wind (Ecc. 1:14).

Observation

King Solomon, the likely author of Ecclesiastes, begins his report on his search for the meaning of life. He anticipates its negative conclusion at the very beginning when he says that all of life’s activities are as useless as “striving after wind” (v. 14). This is a vivid picture of effort expended with no results gained since no one can catch the wind by running after it. Even the search for wisdom, madness, and folly turned out to be meaningless (v. 17). Why? Because “in much wisdom is much vexation, and he who increases knowledge increases sorrow” (v. 18).

What a bleak picture! But, this is what happens when a person searches for deep satisfaction without God at the center of his/her life.

Application

Solomon has delivered a despairing but accurate report of life if it is lived solely from a horizontal perspective. It makes sense that if I cannot satisfy my hunger for meaning on a purely horizontal plane, then I must find it on the vertical level. My frustration and despair should turn my eyes from earth to heaven, from myself to Jesus Christ. I can only find true satisfaction above the sun, not in the things under it because the physical realm was never designed by God to bring me the satisfaction I long for.

What things of the earth am I relying on to satisfy my thirst for meaning? Achievements? Successful career? Human relationships? Fame and power? Material possessions? These will leave me dry. Only God satisfies. He promised that if I come to him by accepting his Son as my Savior, then I will never thirst again (John 4:13-14).

Prayer

Father, I sing this song of praise as a prayer unto you (More of You):

Jesus I am thirsty,
Won’t you come and fill me.
Earthly things have left me dry,
Only you can satisfy,
All I want is more of you.

All I want is more of you,
All I want is more of you,
Nothing I desire Lord,
But more of you, more of you.

--P. Michael