All of us, at one time or another, might have felt a lack of purpose in our lives. Whether it was deciding on a major in college, what to do after a job loss, or a loss of a family member or friend to death. There are myriad situations in our lives where we feel hopeless.
This inward perspective is looking at you and how you feel in the situations in your life. It can be a selfish way to look at life.
The book of Ecclesiastes, one of the wisdom books in the Bible, has this perceptive. The majority of the book takes a humanistic view of life, but ultimately recognizes the importance of God in one’s life.
The book of Ecclesiastes is commonly attributed to Solomon as the author.
I. Prologue (1:1-18)
Il. Pleasures of Life (2:1-26)
III. Plan of God (3: 1-5:20)
IV. Problems of Life (6:1-8:17)
V. Process of Living (9:1-12:8)
VI. Postscript (12:9-4)
(Illustrated Bible Survey)
We live in a fallen world. One that is filled with evil and sinful people. A person can lose hope if they focus on all the bad things happening around them. This is the perspective we read in Ecclesiastes. There is a lot of hopelessness and despair.
Gradually, the author points us to the one who can provide meaning. God.
In the midst of all of the evil, loneliness, and hopelessness, this is a God who rules and controls. Meaning and purpose can only be found in God. It is He who provides hope when we have none.
My favorite chapter in Ecclesiastes is chapter 3. It’s the one that talks about time. A time for everything. It lists the good and the bad. In verse 11, it tells us “He has made everything beautiful in its time…..”
Chapter 3 points to the sovereignty of God. God has control over our lives. His purposes are good, true for those who trust in Him. As believers, we belong to the family of God. We are to trust and obey His Word. Our meaning comes from Him—the Creator of the universe.
Remember when you feel hopeless, God can make all things beautiful and right in His perfect time.
References
Illustrated Bible Survey: An Introduction by ED Hindson and Elmer L. Towns
