Ecclesiastes 1-2

“Meaningless! Meaningless! ... What do people gain from all their labors a which they toil under the sun?” (1:1-3). The “Teacher,” king in Jerusalem, set himself to study “all that is done under the heavens” (1:13) - the human pursuit of life, happiness, and significance. He “undertook great projects” (2:4) and experienced all kinds of “pleasure” (2:10), but he realized that these were fleeting. Humans ultimately have no control over their fate (2:19); all our “anxious striving” cannot keep us from death (2:16).

“For without Him, who can eat or find enjoyment?” (2:25). We are not in control. However, peace and joy are possible when we submit our hopes, work, and relationships to God and His good purposes (2:24-26).