"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope" (Romans 15:13).
“To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven” (Ecclesiastes 3:1).
King Solomon explored life’s purpose in the book of Ecclesiastes, providing a hard look at the complicated nature of our existence. He expresses the grim outlook on life we sometimes have, but simultaneously acknowledges the beauty in God’s creation. This mirrors our secular world, which yearns for hope while drowning in earthly remedies that only deepen despair.
Solomon compares two views of life: “under the sun” and “under Heaven.” The first is worldly and human-centered, while the second is God-centered. It’s far too easy to fall into the trap of viewing life solely “under the sun” with the heavy influence of the secular tide of our society. Even those who have achieved worldly success and recognition are hungry for a deeper purpose. Gaining fame and fortune is meaningless without a spiritual compass. “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). We must strive for more, acknowledging that our lives have meaning, not due to our deeds, but because of our Creator. Life without God is destined to feel hollow and pointless. However, a life lived honoring Him holds immeasurable worth.
Your Call to Action
Now is the time to seek God, to look beyond the temporary and seize the eternal. A life “under Heaven” is a life well-lived, and that life will echo into eternity. If you don’t know Jesus, embrace Him now and live a life full of divine purpose!
“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 3:11).
“Enjoy prosperity while you can, but when hard times strike, realize that both come from God. Remember that nothing is certain in this life” (Ecclesiastes 7:14).
“The end of a matter is better than its beginning, and patience is better than pride” (Ecclesiastes 7:8).
Prayer
Dear Jesus, we humbly honor Your holy name! You are our Savior, our Prince of Peace, and our Friend. We choose a life “under Heaven” that glorifies You. Help us to embrace our purpose in You with wisdom and strength that only comes from You, Lord. In Your name, we pray, Amen!
A Comforting Closure
A life “under Heaven” promises a profound, unshakable purpose that only comes from a genuine relationship with Jesus.
The Wisdom of Ecclesiastes: A Journey Towards Divine Purpose
Focus on the Fruits! KINDNESS
“Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins” (1 Peter 4:8).
Responding to the Call: Embracing Jesus as Our King
“The righteous cry, and the Lord hears, and delivers them out of all their troubles. The Lord is near to them that are of a broken heart; and saves such as be of a contrite spirit. Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the Lord delivers him out of them all” (Psalm 34:17-19).
Choosing a Soft Heart: Rekindling Your Hearts Compassion
"Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God" (Matthew 5:8).
Focus on the Fruits! PATIENCE
“But those who trust in the LORD will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint” (Isaiah 40:31).
God’s Shining Face: The Profound Impact on Our Lives
“The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you, the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace” (Numbers 6:24- 26).
Focus on the Fruits! PEACE
“Now may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace at all times in every way. The Lord be with you all” (2 Thessalonians 3:16).
The Wisdom of Ecclesiastes: A Journey Towards Divine Purpose
“To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven” (Ecclesiastes 3:1).
Focus on the Fruits! JOY
“God will let you laugh again; you’ll raise the roof with shouts of joy” (Job 8:20).
Taking Up the Mantle: Your Role in Expanding God’s Kingdom
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8).