I said to myself, “Go ahead, I will test you with pleasure; enjoy what is good.” but it tuned out to be futile. I said about laughter, “It is madness,” and about pleasure, “What does this accomplish?” I explored with my mind how to let my body enjoy life with wine, and how to grasp folly – my mind still guiding me with wisdom – until I could see what is good for people to do under heaven during the few days of their lives. Ecclesiastes 2:1-3 HCSB
While in college I was not sure what I wanted to do with my life. The first year I majored in history because I enjoyed history. Then I decided to change my major to pre-med but my struggles with chemistry and microbiology ended that direction for my life. It was at a family enrichment week that I discovered that God was calling me to youth ministry. I changed my major and pursued an education that would prepare me to become a youth minister. I went on to seminary and answered God’s call on my life. He has continued to guide and direct me through the years.
Solomon was searching for meaning in life. He was already the king of Israel and had all the possessions anyone could imagine. He tried pursuing pleasure, took on major projects, acquired more wealth, bought more slaves and livestock, added many concubines to his harem, and sought to have even more wisdom. Yet, nothing brought purpose and meaning to his life. We must look beyond earthly pleasures and seek what makes an eternal difference. Pursuing God will bring meaning and purpose to life.
Challenge: Where are you searching for meaning in life? Are you pursuing what God wants you to do with your life? God brings meaning to life. He knows what is right for you.