What Are You Searching For?

by Bob Gaudi 

“A man can do nothing better than to eat and drink and find satisfaction in his work.” –Ecclesiastes 2:24

Do you ever find yourself searching for something more in life, especially your spiritual life? Do you ever find yourself asking, “Am I doing this right?” I do, and I believe most Christians at some point in their life do the same. Maybe such a search is why they became Christians in the first place.   

In our Senior Connections Bible study we have been going through the book of Ecclesiastes. In this book we find the “teacher”—who is thought to be Solomon—writing about man’s (as well as his own) quest for meaning in life. One could say Ecclesiastes is sort of an autobiography of Solomon’s life, spent seeking meaning and pleasure from his actions and pursuit of things. While Solomon tries desperately to find meaning in human existence, he ultimately finds man’s expectations and the pursuit of hopes and dreams to be one of vanity. He states that these pursuits are meaningless and a “chasing after the wind.”

In fact, over 12 chapters, Solomon points out numerous examples of “meaningless pursuits.” For example, in the first two chapters, he combines the terms “meaningless” and “a chasing after the wind” three times. In chapters 1-3, he asks three times “what profit man has from his labors.” With statements such as these and his dialogue about his personal findings, Solomon paints a bleak picture and a somewhat depressing observation of human existence.

There is hope, however. We are not left to wring our hands and hang our heads in disconsolate frustration. Through his discourse Solomon leads us to the realization that God has ordered all things according to His purpose and says, “A man can do nothing better than to eat and drink and find satisfaction in his work. This too is from the hand of God, for without him, who can eat or find enjoyment?” (Ecc. 2:24-25). In this statement, he means that without God in our lives nothing truly satisfies. The ‘vanity of vanities’ is seeking meaning in life without God. But the good news is that when we have Him in our lives, we find and have true pleasure and meaning. In his penultimate verse (12:13b) Solomon says “Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.”

Consider, friends in Christ, our God and the certainty of the finality of His judgment and how reward or retribution gives meaning to life. Whatever your portion in life, the one inescapable fact is your accountability to God. Our Maker’s ways are eternal and irrevocable. One who perceives each day of life as labor and basic provision as a gift of God, and whoever accepts whatever God gives, that person lives an abundant life. In light of God’s forthcoming judgment the only truly fulfilled life is one lived in proper recognition of God and service to Him. Fear God; revere, honor, and respect the Lord. Accept life as He gives it and live it to the fullest. “Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil” (Ecc. 12:13-14).     

So what are you searching for? More importantly, where are you searching? If Jesus is your pursuit, you will find Him and He will fill your life with meaning.

Heavenly Father, thank You for bringing meaning and purpose to our lives and for the blessings You bestow onto us on a daily basis. Help us focus our attention on You and give glory to You through Christian service. We pray in the powerful name of Jesus Christ, our ever-present Savior. Amen.