When Life Feels Empty

Scripture: Ecclesiastes 1:1–4, 11

“The words of the Teacher, son of David, king in Jerusalem: ‘Meaningless! Meaningless!’ says the Teacher. ‘Utterly meaningless! Everything is meaningless.’ What do people gain from all their labors at which they toil under the sun? Generations come and generations go, but the earth remains forever… No one remembers the former generations, and even those yet to come will not be remembered by those who follow them.”

Explanation:

The Teacher wrestles with the reality that life, on its own, feels empty and fragile. No matter how hard people work or how much they accomplish, everything eventually fades. Generations rise, generations fall, and nothing we do seems to have lasting significance when viewed purely from an earthly perspective. This honest confession captures the frustration we sometimes feel when our efforts don’t produce the results we expected.

Application:

Instead of discouraging us, the passage pushes us to look for meaning beyond ourselves. True significance doesn’t come from achievements, recognition, or earthly success—it comes from God, who sees and values every act done in love and faith. When your work feels unnoticed or unimportant, remember that God’s meaning is deeper and longer-lasting than anything you can build on your own.

Reflection Question:

Where in your life do you need to stop seeking meaning from achievement and start receiving it from God?

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