He Makes All Things Beautiful: Ecclesiastes 1-3
The book of Ecclesiastes is found in the New Testament and is believed to be written by King Soloman. Soloman was well known for hosting extravagant parties, pouring himself into his work, living luxuriously and being a little selfish. Throughout Soloman’s life he was seeking satisfaction from the world and the things it had to offer but ultimately nothing of the world truly satisfied his heart.
All is Vanity
“Then I considered all that my hands had done and the toil that had expended in doing it and behold all was vanity and a striving after wind, and there was nothing to be gained under the sun.”
Ecclesiastes 2:11
Vanity is a form of self-idolatry or having pride in something and it is meaningless and empty. Life is full of temporary fleeting pleasures that will never fully satisfy our souls. Everything we try to pursue in this life will have no comparison with the eternity that God has given you. Each season or time that you walk through in your life will bring certain challenges and celebrations that you may never have again. Life is a gift that should not be taken for granted. How are you living your life? Are you choosing to walk in obedience to the Lord or are you comfortable in your sin that is separating you from the Lord? The seasons and things of this life are not all that there is or will be under the sun. In the end, all the things you have gained here on earth will fade but the love of God and life with Him is eternal and everlasting!
God’s Gift to You
“He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also, He has put eternity into man's heart, yet so that he cannot find out what God has done from the beginning to the end. I perceived that there is nothing better for them than to be joyful and to do good as long as they live; also, that everyone should eat and drink and take pleasure in all his toil – this is God’s gift to man.”
Ecclesiastes 3:11-13
The gifts that God gives us in this life are good and enjoyable. He loves us so much that He wants to give us the things that we desire here on earth for His glory! But they were never meant to bring us ultimate fulfillment. I can often catch myself worshiping the gift instead of the giver and being so excited that I got what I was desiring that I forget to praise God for gifting it to me. Praise the Lord for all that He has given you because He will always give you what you need and abundantly more than what you could ask for! Thank Him for where He has you today instead of striving to be in the next season of your life. Be where your feet are until God is ready for you to go somewhere else.
