Beyond the Weekend

January 29 | Chasing Pleasure

January 29, 2019

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

I said to myself, “Come now, I will test you with pleasure to find out what is good.” But that also proved to be meaningless.  Ecclesiastes 2:1

Read: Ecclesiastes 2:1-10

Listen: Ecclesiastes 2

TODAY’S MESSAGE

Solomon was the author of this passage and the highly regarded king of Israel. In today’s verses, he admits to pursuing pleasure in an attempt to see whether it could give his life meaning. He uses his wealth, power and intelligence to experience all the pleasure life has to offer. After all this pursuit, he comes to a striking conclusion—pleasure is meaningless. Pleasure, in any form, just isn’t capable of giving life meaning.

Although King Solomon’s conclusion might seem obvious to us today, often our lives and actions tell a different story. We still chase after pleasure in hopes of finding purpose. For some of us, it might be experiences as we constantly think about our next vacation or adventure. For others, it might may be possessions or something else as we constantly buy bigger, better and newer things. But it’s important for us to recognize the truth about each pleasure we chase. Experiences and things are gifts from God to be enjoyed. But they will never be able to validate our existence or give our lives meaning. This can only come from God.

What about you? Is there some pleasure you chase in hopes of giving your life meaning? Today is a good day to listen to the conclusion of King Solomon, “Pleasure can’t give your life meaning.”

IN YOUR CHAIR TIME TODAY

As you consider today whether you are chasing after pleasures, remember that God created a world with so much for us to enjoy. In a quiet place where you’re able to focus and pray, spend a few minutes and thank God for giving us a world to travel, the creativity to make things, beauty and so many other things to enjoy. Focus in on things which personally bring you joy.


Download a printable PDF of the BTW week here.

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