Purpose Beyond the Chase
(4th of an Eight-Part Study of Ecclesiastes)
We all dream of a better future—a life where things just fall into place. Maybe you think, "If I could just meet the right person, solve that one problem, make more money, or improve my health, my life would be complete." It’s easy to feel like we’re one step away from fulfillment, but Ecclesiastes has something powerful to say about this chase.
Over the past few weeks, we’ve delved into the reflections of King Solomon, also known as "The Preacher." Here’s a man who had everything: wisdom, wealth, power, and fame. Yet, his writings in Ecclesiastes reveal a surprising discovery: even with everything at his fingertips, he found himself unsatisfied.
Today, we’re exploring Ecclesiastes 1:12-15, where Solomon turns from simply observing the world to actively searching for meaning. And he didn’t take this exploration lightly—he approached it with the determination of a master problem-solver. But while he sought fulfillment through wisdom and self-driven purpose, he found his efforts were like chasing the wind.
What Does a Life Without God Bring?
Solomon didn’t just observe; he actively pursued wisdom, trying to uncover what was good for people to do in life. Think of him as an ancient explorer, questioning everything in the hope of finding answers. Yet, despite all his wisdom (the greatest outside of Jesus himself), Solomon faced a stark reality: without God, human effort alone was ultimately empty and unsatisfying.
He put it simply, "I have seen all the works which have been done under the sun, and behold, all is vanity and striving after wind." Picture that—trying to catch the wind! No matter how hard we work, human effort on its own doesn’t yield the kind of eternal, soul-deep fulfillment we long for.
Life Without God: Frustration, Futility, and Unsolved Problems
Solomon’s relentless search led him to three realizations about life apart from God:
Frustration: Solomon’s exploration wasn’t a delight; it was exhausting and disheartening. All his efforts couldn’t change the unchangeable or bring true joy.
Futility: He saw human effort as futile. Chasing success, wealth, or even satisfaction through work alone is like herding cats—no matter what we do, we always end up chasing more. We’re left feeling empty because, deep down, we know there’s a deeper purpose we can’t reach on our own.
Unsolved Problems: Solomon acknowledged that life comes with challenges no amount of effort can solve—broken relationships, societal issues, and even the presence of war. We can’t eradicate these problems alone because humanity, Solomon noted, is inherently "crooked."
So what’s the point, then? It’s not all bleak! Solomon’s reflections in Ecclesiastes are the beginning of a journey that ultimately leads us toward God.
Where Can I Find Hope?
Ecclesiastes ends with a reminder that life under the sun (or life without God) leaves us lacking, but this isn’t the end of the story. With Christ, everything changes! God supplies us with what we lack: meaning, purpose, and eternal hope. As Philippians 4:19 says, “…my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” He meets us in our deficiencies, offering us lasting fulfillment.
Through Christ, our search for meaning isn’t chasing after the wind anymore. He takes our "crooked" lives and makes us new. The things we felt we couldn’t change on our own? He changes them. The longing for purpose? He fulfills it. Instead of striving for satisfaction, we find it in a relationship with Him.
Where Can I Find True Satisfaction?
If you’re feeling the weight of chasing after purpose or meaning, Ecclesiastes offers a profound truth: lasting satisfaction is found in God alone. The search isn’t fruitless—God Himself provides the answers we’re looking for. So, we don’t have to chase the wind; instead, we can find rest in the One who offers us everything we need.
Watch the full message below.