“What do workers gain from their toil? I have seen the burden God has laid on the human race. He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end.” Ecclesiastes 3:9-11

There are times in life where my internal battery just feels worn down. Do you know those times I’m talking about? Like no amount of coffee could perk your energy up. Like no nap could even touch the tired that is within. These days have been more frequent than I would like over the past several years. I have been bone tired, soul tired, and even ready-to-give-up-the-good-fight tired at times.

In times like these I turn to the book of Ecclesiastes. I know some may say that this would be depressing in light of a downcast season of life, but I find comfort in these pages. I think it’s very fitting that just after the book of Proverbs (which is brimming with wisdom and wise counsel) comes the book of Ecclesiastes which I might argue is filled some of the wisest words of all. It is as though Solomon wrote all he could about how best to walk this life with his logical brain and then turned it over to the emotional side for the sometimes very heavy reality that we face in the daily grind.

“The words of the Teacher, son of David, king in Jerusalem: “Meaningless! Meaningless!” says the teacher. “Utterly meaningless! Everything is meaningless.”” Proverbs 1:1-2

This does not exactly echo the sound of an encouraging statement about to follow. Unless you understand the deeper meaning here you could easily get lost in the depressing tone of this opening. Solomon was not named the “wise king” without good reason. He had fantastic insight indeed. We can get a taste of his wisdom in all that he writes. Here it is just overflowing because instead of this being a statement of hopelessness, like it might initially read, it is actually a declaration of how good God truly is.

Solomon had lived a full life and experienced more than most. He came to the conclusion that nothing on this earth – neither in experience, or material, or deed done, could ever surpass the greatness of God and the true joy that comes from knowing Him. This is why he was saying everything is meaningless. Compared God’s love for us everything here falls short.

“…He has set eternity in the human heart…” (Ecclesiastes 3:11)

In light of eternity the things of this earth grow strangely dim. When we adjust our focus to an eternal perspective we can rightly see our circumstances as they are instead of how we perceive them in the moment. We can take in the bigger picture and press on knowing that although we might be really tired and ready to give up, these days are fleeting and they will pass so quickly.

How does this bring me comfort when I am having a hard time seeing the hope? It reminds me that this life will all pass away and that the best is yet to come. If there wasn’t anything better than what we see and experience here on earth then this life would be without hope. Ecclesiastes also reminds me that there is a season for all things: both joy and sorrow. I soak in the words from Solomon and take comfort knowing that one of the wisest men of his time also lamented over the toil of life; the pale comparison the things of this earth have to offer in light of our wonderful God.

I’m not saying there isn’t a wonderful part of life here, because there is! There are many beautiful things and sites to see and experiences to be had; but they are fleeting. Even the best parts of our life here are like a candle to the sun when compared to what is to come… and for that, I am very thankful.

“I know that there is nothing better for people than to be happy and to do good while they live. That each of them may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all their toil—this is the gift of God.” Ecclesiastes 3:12-14

Father you amaze us with your beauty and goodness. We cherish this hope we have in you and in what is to come, especially on those really hard days. Help us to not forget the end goal even on the great days; that we may never lose sight of you and your mission for us here! Keep our hearts humble, our minds wise, and our feet light as we walk along side you in this kingdom work. We love you and we thank you for Jesus. In Jesus name, amen.