Guest post by Annie Weber, Author of Astounding Truths of the Bible.
But as I looked at everything I had worked so hard to accomplish, it was all so meaningless – like chasing the wind. There was nothing really worthwhile anywhere. Ecclesiastes 2:11 NLT
Tropical flowers surrounded me as I said my wedding vows at the Selfridge Air Base Chapel in southeast Michigan. Two days later, my new husband and I began our road trip to Colorado where we would begin our married life. Living in the mile high city was going to be the peak highlight of my life – or so I thought – until three weeks later when news that the US Army needed a certain young lieutenant to aid in a 12 month mission against terrorism was revealed to me. (Gasp, how dare the military not consider my plans and expectations for my newlywed season?!) This news was hands down the biggest buzzkill of my life.
The Bible describes a serious buzzkill in Ecclesiastes 2. This is where we find one of the saddest verses in Scripture. King Solomon opens Chapter 2 boasting of all the great projects and accomplishments he took on (built houses, planted vineyards, created beautiful parks and gardens, bought slaves, owned livestock, possessed massive amounts of silver and gold, acquired singers, and a harem of ladies) and how he was far greater than anyone else in Jerusalem (Ecclesiastes 2:9). He did not refuse himself any pleasure (verse 10). The buzzkills comes shortly after this exhaustive list of accomplishments when he admits the sad truth – he downright depressed and found everything in life pointless (verse 11).
He spent his life spending so much money, investing his energy in pleasure, building his empire, and living in the mindset of “let the good times roll”. This party boy learned the hard way that everything in life is futile apart from God. In his wisdom, he realized that the fate of the wise and foolish end up in the same place: the grave (verse 15). He hated life (verse 17). He hated the acknowledgement that everything he labored for would end up in the hands of his successor. This led to complete despair (verse 20) and made him question the value of everything he had worked for.
Solomon was forced to come to terms with a difficult question: Where is God in all this pleasure and can He be included in giving his life meaning? By the end of the chapter, Solomon comes to terms with the hard reality of life. “God gives wisdom and knowledge and joy to a man who is good in His sight”. Solomon reminds us to always be looking to God to give our life meaning. God is sovereign in His plan and purposes over our lives.
Annie Weber is known for her bold and uncompromising approach to sharing God's Word. She lives with a keen awareness that the truth of scripture led her to put her faith in Christ. Annie is a wellness enthusiast, adventure seeker, and amazing wife to Bryan. They have four kids and live on the beautiful island of Guam. Connect with Annie on her website: astoundingtruths.com.
Click here to purchase a copy of her new book, Astounding Truths of the Bible.
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