COMORT IN A STRANGE PLACE
NOTE FROM BARNEY: Linda’s celebration of life is Saturday, January 20 at 11:00 AM at Santa Rosa Christian Church, 1315 Pacific Avenue. If you can’t attend, here is the link to watch it live online: https://youtube.com/live/Pu_cS2Brrno?feature=share. Thank you all for your encouragement.
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A few months before his death, Elvis Presley penned some personal thoughts on a notepad at his bedside. I feel so alone sometimes. The night is quiet for me…I’ll probably not rest. I have no need for all this. Help me, Lord. It’s hard to imagine those desperate words came from Elvis, “the king,” the man who had everything the world offers.
Scripture speaks of another man, Solomon, king of Israel, who also possessed the greatest things earth provides—power, pleasure, popularity, prosperity. He was the wealthiest and wisest man on earth (1 Kings 10:23). His income in gold alone was twenty-five tons annually (1 Kings 10:14). His empire was vast (1 Kings 4:21). His fame stretched to the limits of the known world (1 Kings 10:1). He denied himself no pleasure (Ecclesiastes 2:10). Yet it left him miserable. He hated life (Ecclesiastes 2:17).
Over these past months, in wrestling with my emotions over Linda’s passing, I’ve found comfort in an unconventional source—the book of Ecclesiastes, written by Solomon. Comfort isn’t a feeling we normally draw from a book beginning with the words, “Meaningless! Meaningless!...Utterly meaningless! Everything is meaningless” (1:2). Yet moving past this breath of fresh air, I’ve found profound treasures in this ancient document. It’s helped me put life in perspective, and avoid the trap of seeking fulfillment in this world.
The theme of Ecclesiastes is “Life is meaningless without God.” Remember, these words aren’t uttered by some drunk sitting in a bar—but by Solomon, the wealthiest, wisest, and most powerful man on earth, who was immensely qualified to speak on these matters.
Ecclesiastes describes Solomon’s journey to find meaning and fulfillment in life. One-by-one he examines wealth, wisdom, work, and pleasure to find some sort of purpose, and discards them each as “meaningless.” Thirty-three times he describes life on earth as “meaningless.” Then finally, in the last two verses of the book, he announces his conclusion. Only one pursuit provides purpose. “Here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind.” (12:13). Honoring and obeying God alone fulfills us.
This is why I find such comfort in this unusual source. As I cope with Linda’s passing, Ecclesiastes reminds me nothing in this world is permanent. It was never designed to be, as Solomon discovered. Only one thing endures eternally—pursuing God and the life he offers.
Principle: Nothing in this life offers meaning and fulfillment. Only God does.
Ponder:
In what areas of this world are you tempted to seek meaning and fulfillment?
What commitments can you make in the year ahead to pursue a deeper life with Jesus?
Pursue: For a deeper dive, study the book of Ecclesiastes.
Prayer: Lord God, thank you for reminding us in Ecclesiastes that we can only find our fulfillment in you. Draw me closer to you.