Day after day I read more discouraging news—job losses, war, flu outbreaks, and endless political infighting. I needed some encouragement. So, I opened up my Bible for my daily reading, and what did my eyes land on? The words of Solomon in Ecclesiastes, “Meaningless! Meaningless! Everything is meaningless.”
That’s not what I needed to hear!
Okay, so I caught him at a low moment. Solomon messed-up and disobeyed God. He was experiencing a time of sorrow and regret. Even the so-called wisest man who ever lived was a sinner. That’s no surprise—we all are. But still—here’s a man who had it all—wisdom, success, fame, and fortune beyond the wildest imagination. Yet, at the end of his life he says it’s all meaningless!
As I read on, I found this man—who didn’t withhold any pleasure from himself—did admit to finding meaning in a few things. And it struck me they were all things that had nothing to do with wealth, fame, and fortune—because he said things like:
Enjoy life with your wife, whom you love. … A man can do nothing better than to eat and drink and find satisfaction in his work. This too, I see, is from the hand of God, for without Him, who can eat or find enjoyment?
–Eccl. 2:24; 9:4
How simple is that? Nothing fancy—just take pleasure in your work and your important relationships—and acknowledge God.
Now that’s’ what I needed to hear!
Then it dawned on me, I don’t need to be discouraged. Even in these hard times, I already have everything I need for a meaningful life—work to enjoy, people to love, and most of all—a God who loves me! I don’t need to be rich, powerful, or famous. I don’t even have to be perfect. God knows my frailty—that’s why he sent His Son. All I have to do is acknowledge Him.
Jesus said, “And why are you anxious about clothing (an everyday concern of life)? Observe how the lilies of the field grow; they do not toil nor do they spin, yet I say to you that even Solomon in all his glory did not cloth himself like one of these. But if God so arrays the grass of the field… will He not much more do so for you? Do not be anxious then, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or 'With what shall we cloth ourselves?’… For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added to you.”
–Matt. 6:28-33
