Chasing After The Wind
I
said to myself, “Come now, I will test you with pleasure to find out what is
good.” But that also proved to be meaningless. “Laughter,” I said, “is madness.
And what does pleasure accomplish?” I tried cheering myself with wine, and
embracing folly—my mind still guiding me with wisdom. I wanted to see what was
good for people to do under the heavens during the few days of their lives.
I undertook great
projects: I built houses for myself and planted vineyards. I made gardens and parks
and planted all kinds of fruit trees in them. I made reservoirs to water groves
of flourishing trees. I bought male and female slaves and had other slaves who
were born in my house. I also owned more herds and flocks than anyone in
I denied myself
nothing my eyes desired; I refused my heart no pleasure. My heart took delight
in all my labor, and this was the reward for all my toil. Yet when I surveyed
all that my hands had done and what I had toiled to achieve, everything was
meaningless, a chasing after the wind; nothing was gained under the sun.
Ecclesiastes
2:1-11
Pleasure seeking
isn’t just seasonal. Don’t we all enjoy good food, engaging conversations and a
crackling fire?
The desire for
pleasure is not wrong. God has built us for it. The Bible talks about doing
things in moderation, eating, drinking, relationships
with family and friends are all important. But thinking we can find lasting
pleasure in people and things is ultimately an empty pursuit.
Ultimate pleasure is
not found in the short-lived thrills our world offers, but rather in the
long-term joy from a deepening intimacy with our Lord.
What we are really
looking for is satisfied only in a fulfilling and growing relationship with
Jesus. Pursue Him and taste His delights.
Are we
living for our own pleasure, or living to please our heavenly Father?
Our Daily Bread –