Ecclesiastes 5-9

Solomon has such a negative outlook. The man had everything, yet he was empty, hopeless, and alone. He knew God had existed, in fact had had a conversation with Him. Yet he seems to question God’s creation, God’s plan for man. “Why good is life? It’s like chasing the wind.”

Solomon had allowed sin to separate him from God. No wonder he struggled. He’s right to say that kind of life is lived in vain.

But there is a better way to live. A life surrendered to God might be filled with hardship and loss. God doesn’t guarantee we won’t struggle. But a life surrendered to God is a life of purpose. It’s a life with joy and peace, grace and mercy. A life surrendered to God is not lived in vain. And I don’t see how you can have a negative outlook knowing God does all things well, that He is working everything out for our good, and is preparing a place for us to be with Him in eternity.

The difference between Solomon and me is vast. His wisdom surpasses mine by miles, but he was lost. His words indicate he had no faith in God at this point.

I’m not sure I can be described as wise. I’ve done and said foolish things more than I care to admit. But I’m not lost. I have been saved by the blood of my Savior Jesus. My faith is in Him alone.

As I sat here thinking about this today, Robert Frost’s poem, “The Road Not Taken” came to mind. Here is how Frost sums it up:

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood, and I – I took the one less traveled by.
And that has made all the difference.