Ecclesiastes 1-6

“Utterly meaningless! Everything is meaningless” (1:2). Ecclesiastes describes the wearisome nature of human life on our own terms (1:8). Despite humanity’s striving toward “great projects” (2:4), we still experience sleepless nights and “grief and pain” (2:23). God has put the knowledge of eternity in our hearts (3:11), and therefore we desire meaning and purpose, not just food and shelter. Yet apart from God, our striving for ‘more’ is pointless. Only in relationship with him can we find satisfaction and peace in our uncertain lives (3:12-13).

Trusting the Lord of the universe, we can still aim to “be happy and to do good” (3:12), despite the struggles of life. Our days are not futile; we are connected to God’s good eternal kingdom.