THE QUEST FOR MEANING

Yet God has made everything beautiful for its own time. He has planted eternity in the human heart, but even so, people cannot see the whole scope of God’s work from beginning to end. So I concluded there is nothing better than to be happy and enjoy ourselves as long as we can. And people should eat and drink and enjoy the fruits of their labor, for these are gifts from God . . . That’s the whole story. Here now is my final conclusion: Fear God and obey his commands, for this is everyone’s duty. God will judge us for everything we do, including every secret thing, whether good or bad. Ecclesiastes 3:11-13, 12:13-14 (NLT)

Seldom do I grow weary of relaxing by the shore and gazing into the water, cocooned in the splendor of the mountains. Nothing seems more peaceful than clearing my mind and soaking in the beauty of God’s creation. Once a calmness has settled over me, thoughts begin to trickle back in. I become lost in my musings, but desire the time spent to be fruitful—that is, to arrive at some meaningful conclusion.

Everything is short-lived, but God is eternal.

Although we may find enjoyment and satisfaction in our work, pleasures and possessions, meaning is found in a relationship with God through His Son, Jesus Christ. God has planted eternity in the human heart, a place only He can fill. And yet sadly, we sometimes attempt to put other things in the place belonging to God, searching for fulfillment, but never quite finding it.

The author of Ecclesiastes concludes his writing by telling us to fear God and obey His commands, for this is everyone’s duty—essential ingredients for living a meaningful life.

Father God, Thank You for the simplicity of Your Word.

© 2019 Amy A. Verzi