“It Doesn’t Have to Be Meaningless”

Ecclesiastes 1:1 NLT

These are the words of the Teacher, King David's son, who ruled in Jerusalem. 

2] "Everything is meaningless," says the Teacher, "completely meaningless!" 

We often believe things in this life would be easier if we were the ones who lived a prosperous life that consisted of incredible wealth.

Peace of mind, stability,  and having our life and spirit aligned with God is the prosperous life that truly matters and makes all the difference in our lives.

It is something you have to want, desire, and commit to. 

It is interesting to view Solomon’s perspective, considering he did receive the blessings; of a throne, extreme wealth, and extreme wisdom from God when he became king.

I encourage everyone to read the book of Ecclesiastes if you haven’t already read it. There are 12 chapters and I also encourage you to read it in a version that you will understand.

Everything he speaks about has truth in it. And he addresses the youth in chapter 12 regarding all aspects of life and he tells the youth not to forget our creator.

While I see his wisdom, no pun intended, of addressing the youth. I want everyone to embrace it. Old and young because we still have life in us and tomorrow is not promised to anyone, youth included.

We all need to remember God. It can be problematic for those who acknowledge other things and deities as the creator. 

However, I recognize the only creator, God as I urge others to embrace him and make things right in your life.

✨ Ecclesiastes 2:1-11 NLT

I said to myself, "Come on, let's try pleasure. Let's look for the 'good things' in life." But I found that this, too, was meaningless. 

2] So I said, "Laughter is silly. What good does it do to seek pleasure?" 

3] After much thought, I decided to cheer myself with wine. And while still seeking wisdom, I clutched at foolishness. In this way, I tried to experience the only happiness most people find during their brief life in this world. 

4] I also tried to find meaning by building huge homes for myself and by planting beautiful vineyards. 

5] I made gardens and parks, filling them with all kinds of fruit trees. 

6] I built reservoirs to collect the water to irrigate my many flourishing groves. 

7] I bought slaves, both men and women, and others were born into my household. I also owned large herds and flocks, more than any of the kings who had lived in Jerusalem before me. 

8] I collected great sums of silver and gold, the treasure of many kings and provinces. I hired wonderful singers, both men and women, and had many beautiful concubines. I had everything a man could desire! 

9] So I became greater than all who had lived in Jerusalem before me, and my wisdom never failed me. 

10] Anything I wanted, I would take. I denied myself no pleasure. I even found great pleasure in hard work, a reward for all my labors. 

11] But as I looked at everything I had worked so hard to accomplish, it was all so meaningless-like chasing the wind. There was nothing really worthwhile anywhere.

Meaningless: 

without meaning, significance, purpose, or value; purposeless; insignificant:

This is how Solomon viewed his life.

The grass is not greener on the other side. Someone sitting in poverty would say, give me the opportunity to have wealth, I will find 

If you lack a relationship with God. You choose to live making your own way.  

When you come upon hard times, you will trudge through the best you can until you are unable to make it. Or you get through but more trials lay ahead. 

It will occur because the enemy of your soul doesn’t make it easier for you just because you refuse to acknowledge and live for God. Going through struggle after struggle may seem meaningless to you.

Everyone goes through things, but  having God to call on is a game changer. Life with the Lord in our lives has meaning and purpose and he is gracious in answered prayers to those who are sincere in their love and service to him.

Conclusion:

Ecclesiastes 12:6-9, and 11-14 NLT

Yes, remember your Creator now while you are young, before the silver cord of life snaps and the golden bowl is broken. Don't wait until the water jar is smashed at the spring and the pulley is broken at the well. 

7] For then the dust will return to the earth, and the spirit will return to God who gave it. 

8] "Everything is meaningless," says the Teacher, "completely meaningless." 

9] Keep this in mind: The Teacher was considered wise, and he taught the people everything he knew. He listened carefully to many proverbs, studying and classifying them. 

Ecclesiastes 12:10 The Teacher sought to find just the right words to express truths clearly.

11] The words of the wise are like cattle prods-painful but helpful. Their collected sayings are like a nail-studded stick with which a shepherd drives the sheep. 

12] But, my child, let me give you some further advice: Be careful, for writing books is endless, and much study wears you out. 

13] That's the whole story. Here now is my final conclusion: Fear God and obey his commands, for this is everyone's duty. 

14] God will judge us for everything we do, including every secret thing, whether good or bad.

No matter what we have, or don’t have.  What counts is what we do in life. As verse 14 states:

14] God will judge us for everything we do, including every secret thing, whether good or bad.

Closing prayer:

I want to make this an alter call. If you are living what you feel is a meaningless life, let go of the negative mindset and come back to the Lord if you are one that fell away from God.

If you do not know God and you wish to have in your life. Ask him to be your Lord and Savior. Confess your sins to him and ask him to forgive you. 

Ask him to lead you in the direction he wants you to go and put that man or woman of God in your path, leading you to the church, or worship service he wants you in.

If you are tired of feeling like you are in a meaningless life. Take steps today to change this. 

Ask the Lord into your heart and life as your personal Savior. 

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Lord, accept those who willingly come to you in submission. Turn their situations around Three Hundred and sixty degrees. I pray they will commit to serving you and receive renewal, restoration, and redemption. In the name of Jesus, Amen.

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