Irvin Wasswa- Tylertown Campus Pastor LHBC
Ecclesiastes 2:9-12
9 So I became great and surpassed all who were before me in Jerusalem. Also my wisdom remained with me. 10 And whatever my eyes desired I did not keep from them. I kept my heart from no pleasure, for my heart found pleasure in all my toil, and this was my reward for all my toil. 11 Then I considered all that my hands had done and the toil I had expended in doing it, and behold, all was vanity and a striving after wind, and there was nothing to be gained under the sun.
One time a famous NFL Quarterback was interviewed by CBS a few days after winning the Super Bowl. The reporter for the network asked the question- “Sir, you’ve won multiple Super Bowls, you are dating one of the most beautiful women in the world, and you have amassed millions of dollars. What is next for you?” In amazement the quarterback responded, “You know, sometimes I sit up at night and wonder if there is more to life than this.” What an answer! This individual seemed as though he had it all, yet he was searching for more.
King Solomon in Ecclesiastes 2 speaks to this same reality in his life. He was a man who was known as perhaps the richest to ever live. Anything he wanted, from wealth, to fame, to women he had. Yet at the end of verse 12 he mentioned how as he reflects on how chasing all of that was in vain. Is it possible to have everything under the sun yet still be empty? The answer is yes!
Psalm 107:9 tells us that THE LORD satisfies the thirsty soul and fills the hungry with good things. There is a God-shaped hole in the hearts of all mankind that can only be filled by entering into a relationship with God through the finished work of Christ. King Solomon knew the Lord but went from having possessions/passions, to letting those things have him. His sole desire became trying to possess more, do more, have more and he found himself forgetting the Lord and His goodness in his life.
Friend if we are not careful we can fall into the same trap in our lives. There is nothing wrong with working, having money, and achieving goals. The problem comes when those things become idols for you and chooses to chase those things instead of running to the Lord. The decision to chase what is under the sun will simply leave you tired, empty, and with regret.
John 10:10 tells us that in Christ we have abundant life. Abundant life in Christ consists of choosing to love/follow Him with all of our heart, soul, mind and strength (Matthew 22:37-39). The Christ life consists of being a giver more than a taker. The Christ life consists of service rather than selfishness. The Christ life at the end of the day is the life we were created to live. In knowing and following Him we will experience that love, joy, peace, and satisfaction that nothing “under the sun” can provide for us.
When we look back at our life may it be said of us that we lived a life chasing Jesus rather than a life chasing the wind. Where are you today? Are your possessions, ambitions, and desires idols in your life? If so, choose to lay them down at the feet of Jesus and chase after Him, for in Him and Him alone will you find satisfaction for your soul.
PRAYER FOR TODAY: Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for your love for me. Help me to see that You alone can satisfy the thirsty soul. Help me to make the decision to put You first and live for You instead of chasing the wind. In Jesus’ name, Amen!
MEMORY VERSE OF THE WEEK:
Proverbs 18:10
The name of the Lord is a strong tower;
the righteous man runs into it and is safe.