It is possible to be alive and yet never really live. If you never ask the right questions about your purpose, you will go through life as if in a catatonic state. But living with the end in mind is a reminder to look to Christ.
Why do you get up in the morning? What is your reason for being here? If you do not answer these questions about your purpose, the world will define it by default. Arriving at a biblical understanding of purpose is fundamental to the way you live.
Apart from God, you have no hope. But the book of Ecclesiastes teaches us that there is hope, and there is wisdom in fearing God.
What gives your life meaning? Conventional wisdom abounds telling us how to find meaning in life. On the surface, much of it sounds like good advice. The problem is, every one of them will ultimately fail to bring you meaning and satisfaction. According to Solomon, two key truths must guide us if we are to live meaningful lives.
“Is this all there is?” This is the question we find ourselves asking when we achieve a goal, thinking it will have given us our heart’s desire. But whether we strive for popularity, power, possessions, or prestige, we will find that the things of this world cannot satisfy us.
One of the wisest things you can do is to put your unflinching trust in God. If your joy is dependent on circumstances, it will not be stable. On the other hand, surrendering to God provides ultimate security and satisfaction.
Either life is meaningless, or it isn’t—there are no options in between. If life is meaningless, then this temporal world is all we have, and it will quickly pass away. But the wisdom Psalms teach us the truth: life has meaning, and that meaning is rooted in our eternal God.
Ultimately, Ecclesiastes wants us to be so dissatisfied with life “under the sun” that we learn to cling to life under the Son.
There is a futile emptiness of trying to find meaning and satisfaction “under the sun.” But when we fear the One who is above the sun, our futility is transformed into a living hope.
People often begin well but end poorly. The life of Joshua shows us that finishing strong requires remembering God’s purposes and depending on HIm.
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