In Search of Meaning

Ecclesiastes 2:1-11
I said to myself, "Come now, let's give pleasure a try. Let's look for the `good things' in life." But I found that this, too, was meaningless. 2 "It is silly to be laughing all the time," I said. "What good does it do to seek only pleasure?" 3 After much thought, I decided to cheer myself with wine. While still seeking wisdom, I clutched at foolishness. In this way, I hoped to experience the only happiness most people find during their brief life in this world.
4 I also tried to find meaning by building huge homes for myself and by planting beautiful vineyards. 5 I made gardens and parks, filling them with all kinds of fruit trees. 6 I built reservoirs to collect the water to irrigate my many flourishing groves. 7 I bought slaves, both men and women, and others were born into my household. I also owned great herds and flocks, more than any of the kings who lived in Jerusalem before me. 8 I collected great sums of silver and gold, the treasure of many kings and provinces. I hired wonderful singers, both men and women, and had many beautiful concubines. I had everything a man could desire!
9 So I became greater than any of the kings who ruled in Jerusalem before me. And with it all, I remained clear-eyed so that I could evaluate all these things. 10 Anything I wanted, I took. I did not restrain myself from any joy. I even found great pleasure in hard work, an additional reward for all my labors. 11 But as I looked at everything I had worked so hard to accomplish, it was all so meaningless. It was like chasing the wind. There was nothing really worthwhile anywhere.

Everytime I read this passage, I see so many people I know--including myself. We spend our lives searching for happiness in all the wrong places. The nicest and finest life can offer leaves us discontented and restless. Once we accomplish our goals, we find ourselves hungry for something new. Instead of taking our longings to the Lord, we try to fill that hunger ourselves according to the world's standards. We must remember this world will never be able to satisfy a hunger that is for God. It's like eating candy bars instead of healthy food. They may satisfy your physical hunger for a moment, but the empiness your body feels never goes away. It craves nourishment and cleansing, not a quick fix.

Our souls crave this same kind of nourishment. The kind only God can supply.

I pray you will look for your contentment in God, not in the world.

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