Purpose Beyond Routine

(2nd of an Eight-Part Study of Ecclesiastes)

It’s normal to ask big questions about life. Many of us wonder: “Does anything I do really matter?” “Did I accomplish anything worthwhile?” or “Is life just an ongoing cycle of chores and responsibilities?” 

In Ecclesiastes 1:2-7, Solomon expresses his feelings of emptiness and disillusionment while wrestling with similar questions. He begins with a powerful declaration: “Vanity of vanities! All is vanity.” This repetition points to and emphasizes the futility of life. The Hebrew word hevel, translated as a vapor, appears 35 times throughout Ecclesiastes, emphasizing how fleeting life can be. Our lives are like mist. Here one day, and gone the next.

When Solomon declares, “All is vanity,” he means that every aspect of life—our daily routines, ambitions, and even our greatest achievements—is temporary. For many of us, Monday morning often feels like a repeat of the last—an endless cycle of days, weeks, and years. The weight of our responsibilities can be overwhelming. But we must learn from Solomon and understand that what we do cannot fulfill all our needs or provide lasting satisfaction. Life is short!

This leads us to an important lesson: Focus your life on things that will endure forever because life is fleeting.

So, if nothing matters, why am I here? It’s crucial to remember that our frustrations can lead us to a greater understanding of our purpose. When we place our faith in Christ, we see life differently—revealing a glorious purpose beyond our daily routines.

“Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves, take up their cross, and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it. What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world yet lose their soul? —Matthew 16:24-26

If we want to know what truly matters in life, we must shift focus from temporary gains to eternal values. If we seek fulfillment in this life, we must not live for what the world offers but rather for the everlasting joy that comes from trusting in Jesus. He shows us the way. He is the truth and the life, granting us access to God.

Remember: Life’s dissatisfactions are meant to lead us to find satisfaction in God alone. Embrace the truth that our lives only have meaning when we align ourselves with God’s purpose. In this way, our frustrations draw us closer to Him.

If you're feeling the weight of life’s endless cycle, take heart. There is Someone who has shown us the way—His name is Jesus. By placing our faith in Him, we can discover true fulfillment beyond the monotony of daily life.

Watch the full message below.