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Why does life sometimes feel meaningless even when I’m trying to do everything right? If you’re struggling with this question, you’ve come to the right place.
The book of Ecclesiastes is found just past the middle of the Bible, in the section known as Wisdom Literature, along with Job, Psalms, Proverbs, and Song of Solomon (or Song of Songs). These books read like poetry and often use imagery, exaggeration, and metaphor to make a point—so it’s helpful to keep that in mind as you’re reading these books of the Bible. Ecclesiastes is thought to have been written by Solomon, a king of ancient Israel and often regarded as one of the wisest men that ever lived, and this short book captures what he learned over the course of his life.
It’s easy to believe that if something in your life changed—a different job, a dream house, a relationship—then everything would finally feel right. Solomon had it all and then some. He was the king of Israel. He had money, power, influence, and more. And yet, he opens Ecclesiastes with this: “Everything is meaningless, completely meaningless!”
If you’ve ever felt stuck in the cycle of working and working but still coming up empty, you’re not alone. Solomon felt it too. As you read Ecclesiastes, you’ll hear his perspective—but you’ll also get something even greater. You get to see what Jesus, God in the flesh, says about it.
Jesus said, “Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.” (Matthew 6:33, NLT)
A meaningful life isn’t found in money, power, influence, or love. It’s only found in a relationship with Jesus—and living a life that introduces other people to him and fully follows him together.
Pray: God, when I am overwhelmed and distracted by the demands of life, remind me what actually matters. Help me draw close to you and trust that you’re enough. Amen.