Ecclesiastes 2:17 Therefore I hated life because the work that was done under the sun was distressing to me, for all is vanity and grasping for the wind. (NKJV)
In other words, what’s the use? Have you ever felt that way? Have you ever got to that point in your life where you just truly feel like “why bother?”
Life, apart from God, will certainly leave you feeling that way. There is no security or peace in money, jobs or relationships. You can lose your health, job, money, family or possessions in the snap of finger.
No matter how diligent, talented or successful you are, in 30 seconds disaster could take it all away. Your house could burn down. You could become disabled or disfigured in a car wreck. The doctor could call to tell you that you have cancer. Divorce papers might show up. The cops could call to tell you your child has been murdered. The boss could walk in and tell you that you have no job. A stock market crash could wipe out 20 years of investment. A lawsuit could ruin you.
So what’s the use? There isn’t any.
Apart from God.
Have you ever thanked God that you don’t have to feel like “what’s the use?” It’s amazing that people can even get out of bed when they don’t trust in God. Life would be truly futile and despairing. It is such a blessing to know that we have a Father in Heaven who loves us, cares for us and watches over us.
Have you ever contemplated how wonderful it is to have a purpose in living? It is so blessed to realize that God will care for us through every hardship, every trial and every tragedy. Not only will He care for us, but He will use those times to strengthen us, and when the trial is over, we are actually better off for having had endured it! (Rom 8.28)
Far from being futile and hopeless, Christians get the unique opportunity to anticipate that any hardship or loss will actually be a blessing from God. The greater the trial or suffering, the greater the gift from God. He will use it to transform us in to the image of our Savior and will reward us for our faith in Him. As usual, our Amazing, Magnificent God, takes what sin has ruined, and transforms it into unique and exclusive blessing for His children.
Without God, life is truly useless. There really is no reason for living from day to day. For Christians, every moment has a use. Every act, every decision, every choice, every effort…. every breath we take is saturated with purpose, and a reason to live life with joyful anticipation!
Our Father in Heaven, thank You for giving meaning to our life. May we live every moment to its fullest potential so that You will be glorified. Amen.
Contemplation: Think of work, duties, responsibilities… all the daily aspects of life. Do you sometimes feel like “what’s the use”?
Application: Everything we do can have purpose, meaning and blessing if consecrated to God. Learn to dedicate your every moment to God and see if He does not bless life, and give it new meaning.
- What is the most obvious Bible truth you have learned today?
- What change in your life needs to be made concerning this truth?
- What specific thing will you do today to begin that change?