TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
So I hated life, because the work that is done under the sun was grievous to me. All of it is meaningless, a chasing after the wind. Ecclesiastes 2:17
Read: Ecclesiastes 2
Listen: Ecclesiastes 2
TODAY’S MESSAGE
Ecclesiastes 2 offers an interesting look into the heart and mind of King Solomon. He is pursuing ultimate meaning, trying to find anything that gives life purpose. In his quest, he focuses on three main pursuits: pleasure, wisdom and work. It’s important to note that he isn’t really pursuing any of these things specifically but pursuing purpose through these things. He is looking for what life was all about.
We find ourselves in his story of chasing. All of us are chasing something. It might be pleasure, wisdom or work. Or maybe it’s something like recognition, beauty or money. We tell ourselves we would be happy if we could only get “it” or more of “it.” If we’re honest, we’ve all received something we genuinely wanted in the past. But as soon as we receive that promotion, new car or relationship—something else immediately catches our eye. Deep down, these things don’t fulfill.
What leaves us fulfilled if not these things? We were created by God with a purpose and called to follow Jesus. As we do this, we will find that meaning in life doesn’t come from chasing pleasure, wisdom, work or anything else. It comes by following Jesus.
IN YOUR CHAIR TIME TODAY
As we move into this week and begin thinking about meaning and living with purpose, take an inventory of your heart. Grab your journal or mobile and write, “What am I chasing?” Spend a few minutes and honestly answer this question with whatever things come to mind. Spend your remaining time in prayer and, if you need to, confess that you are chasing after something else instead of him. Then commit to follow after Jesus instead.
Download a printable PDF of the BTW week here.
