2020 was a very strange year to say the least. Covid-19 has stopped many of us from going places, doing things, and seeing friends and family. Many of us are looking to 2021 hoping for a return to normalcy. I think that for many of us, 2020 was a wasted year. I mean, whenever something interrupts our lives, don’t we hear, “I don’t have time for this!” “What’s the point?” “Why are we doing this?” “Why bother?” This is why I am reminded of Solomon’s words, “Meaningless! Meaningless! Utterly meaningless! Everything is meaningless” (Ecclesiastes 1:2).
I suspect that many people think that Ecclesiastes is a very depressing book. It’s probably because Solomon is so candid about life. If we were talking to Solomon today, we would be asking him, “Why are you so negative?” Yet, if we listened to Solomon, we’ve probably observed or shared an experience (or two) with him.
God seekers should find a lot of comfort in Ecclesiastes, even though the book paints a very grim and sobering picture of life. The reason why we should find comfort in its pages and solace in spite of the reality of this life is because Solomon gives us the answer to the meaning of life—it is in God Himself! As we enter into the New Year, read through the book of Ecclesiastes and look for the Presence of God. In the midst of the mundane, the chaos, the injustice, and the senselessness ask yourself, “Where are You, God?” See if He won’t answer you. Here are my questions and how Solomon answers them:
How can I make sense out of life? How can I find meaning, satisfaction, and happiness in this life?
This is from the hand of God. To the person who pleases Him, God gives wisdom, knowledge and happiness” (Ecclesiastes 2:24-26). This is the gift of God (Ecclesiastes 3:13).
Life is so unfair. Can there be justice?
God will call the past to account (Ecclesiastes 3:15). God will bring into judgment…every deed (Ecclesiastes 3:17).
How can I be content with my lot in life?
This is a gift from God (Ecclesiastes 5:19). God keeps [us] occupied with gladness of heart (Ecclesiastes 5:20).
Life is so hard. How can I resist and overcome the attractions and temptations of life?
God does it so people will fear Him (Ecclesiastes 3:14). The man [or woman or child] who pleases God will escape (Ecclesiastes 7:26).
Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind. For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil (Ecclesiastes 13:13-14).
