Chasing the Wind
If you’ve ever read the book of Ecclesiastes, you were probably surprised to find such a “Debbie Downer” perspective included in the Word of God. The book opens with, “Everything is meaningless... completely meaningless!” (Ecclesiastes 1:2 NLT). The tone doesn’t change much as the writer continues. While the author of this book is unknown, many believe it to be Solomon, based on how his life is described.
The writer notes that we are here for such a short time, yet we are quickly forgotten when we’re gone. So, what can we do that’s meaningful while we’re here? He searches for meaning in wisdom, in accumulating wealth and material things, and in seeking pleasure through every avenue possible—from laughter and foolishness to good music and the most beautiful concubines by his side. Yet, none of it satisfied him.
Did this writer ever find anything meaningful from his pursuits? Yes—there’s something incredibly valuable we can learn from him!
The writer found that chasing “more” is never satisfying, no matter what you’re chasing. This chasing is often motivated by envy and creates a pursuit that leaves us exhausted. However, being lazy and doing nothing isn’t the solution either. There is genuine joy in working hard, enjoying the fruit of our labor, and appreciating the good things God brings into our lives. It’s when we try to force more and more into our lives by working harder that we find ourselves simply “chasing the wind” (see Ecclesiastes 4:4-6). Finding meaningful work we enjoy, while also taking time to delight in our lives, is where that beautiful balance lies. Ecclesiastes 5:18-20 says:
“Even so, I have noticed one thing, at least, that is good. It is good for people to eat, drink, and enjoy their work under the sun during the short life God has given them, and to accept their lot in life. And it is a good thing to receive wealth from God and the good health to enjoy it. To enjoy your work and accept your lot in life—this is indeed a gift from God. God keeps such people so busy enjoying life that they take no time to brood over the past.” Ecclesiastes 5:18-20
Paul also writes about this enjoyment of life in his letter to Timothy:
“Yet true godliness with contentment is itself great wealth. After all, we brought nothing with us when we came into the world, and we can’t take anything with us when we leave it. So if we have enough food and clothing, let us be content.” 1 Timothy 6:6-11
Contentment is the key to a life well-lived. Of course, we now know about the most meaningful thing in life that the Old Testament writer of Ecclesiastes didn’t know about yet—Jesus. He made us all with purpose, knit together with intention before we were born, and planned every detail of our lives before one came to be. Our lives are all intertwined as part of His story of redemption for mankind. Sharing the gospel message of His love and sacrifice on the cross for our sins is the most meaningful thing we can do in the short time we have. Accepting His love and forgiveness, and letting go of our striving to be good enough on our own, is the ultimate contentment.
As someone who has found meaning in using my daily work to share the gospel, I still find so much value in applying Ecclesiastes 5:18-20 to my life. I have to remember that while sharing the gospel is the most meaningful thing I can do, I am not the Savior of the world, and it doesn’t all fall on me to get this message out! This balance of working without striving and enjoying our lives always applies—even when we tie our daily work to the most important message of all time. Whether you’re a nurse shining your light for the patients you see every day or a vocational minister at a church, you aren’t just a messenger of the gospel—you’re a recipient, too.
God is a good Father. He “makes us lie down in green pastures” (Psalm 23) because He wants us to rest. He gives us good gifts and wants us to enjoy them (Matthew 7:11). Sometimes we have to learn lessons the hard way, but His discipline comes from a place of love, and we “gain a harvest of righteousness and peace” for embracing and learning from these things (Hebrews 12:5-11). We will have trouble while we’re here in the world, but He’s already overcome it, and He’s always with us (John 16:33, Matthew 28:20).
Have you been “chasing the wind” lately? Maybe you’re lost in pursuing material things that leave you feeling unsatisfied, or maybe you’ve neglected enjoying your life and being still with God for the sake of burying yourself in noble work. How can you take some time today to stop and be a recipient of God’s love, finding contentment in the good things He has given you?
