For to the one who pleases him God has given wisdom and knowledge and joy. – Ecclesiastes 2:26
Solomon, the third king of Israel, ruled over a strong empire. He was widely known and revered among the nations. He reigned over a time of great peace in the land. His wealth was exceeded by his wisdom, yet he came to a place in his life where everything seemed futile, meaningless, and “like dust in the wind.” The pursuit of a meaningful life requires more than what is found “under the sun.” True meaning can only be found when one lives in fellowship with God.
The key to finding meaning in life is faith in Christ. Pastor Bruce Goetsche wrote, “Life apart from a relationship with God is frustrating. It cannot deliver what we want it to deliver. Because of this, many people despair. Some live recklessly. Others take their own lives. They don’t see any point to this life. What they don’t understand is that the futility of this life is designed to whisper to us: ‘There is a life that is bigger than this one.’”
God richly blesses you with good things to enjoy (1 Timothy 6:17). Theologian Matthew Henry says, “Unless he gives us wisdom to make a right use of what he has, in his providence, bestowed upon us, and withal peace of conscience, that we may discern God’s favor in the world’s smiles, we cannot make our souls enjoy any good in them.” Finding meaning in life comes from drawing close to the Lord, which yields the knowledge, wisdom, and joy you seek. Pray for Christians in Congress to seek wisdom from God in all their actions.
Today’s Verse: Ecclesiastes 2:26
For to the one who pleases him God has given wisdom and knowledge and joy, but to the sinner he has given the business of gathering and collecting, only to give to one who pleases God. This also is vanity and a striving after wind.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Recommended for further reading: Colossians 1:9-14
9 And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, 10 so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him: bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; 11 being strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy; 12 giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light. 13 He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, 14 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
