Chasing After the Wind

Ecclesiastes 2:10-11

“I denied myself nothing my eyes desired; I refused my heart no pleasure.
My heart took delight in all my labor, and this was the reward for all my toil.
11 Yet when I surveyed all that my hands had done and what I had toiled to achieve, everything was meaningless, a chasing after the wind; nothing was gained under the sun.”

Today’s passage was written late in life by Solomon, reported to be one of the wisest men in the world during his day. He was also one of the richest men of his time, perhaps even for all time.

Although he started out with a heart dedicated to the One True God, Jehovah, over time he was influenced by his many wives and concubines to honor the gods of their pagan ancestors and former countries. Material riches, and his own importance in the eyes of others, became more important to Solomon than the God of Israel.

Having once been, in the world’s eyes, at the top of the ladder of success, these verses really struck me as so very true in my own personal experience. Although I was raised in a Christian home by both parents, I turned my back on God as pride, money and self-importance took His place.

By the time I reached prison, and I took an honest review of my life, I too came to the conclusion that a life without God as the priority resulted in “everything was meaningless, a chasing after the wind, nothing was gained…”

“But God…” Life now has meaning. I have a Kingdom purpose. God is solidly on the throne of my life forever. The wind of the Holy Spirit has caught me!

TODAY’S CHALLENGE:

Tell God you will make Him your priority today. Take an honest look at your life.

Dive Deeper: Study Ecclesiastes 2:1-26, 12:13-14.