One of the toughest books in the Bible for me to understand is Ecclesiastes. The philosophy of the writer, Solomon, seems backwards, frustrated, and confusing. I mostly find myself disagreeing with Solomon's presented outlook. However, there are also days where frustration and doubt seem larger than goals and hope. In these days, I find myself echo the cries of Solomon that it all seems MEANINGLESS. While I know this not to be true, doubts can occassionally make me feel that life is meaningless. You've probably felt it too.
There are so many areas in life that we wrestle over questions like these:
- What is the legacy I am leaving behind?
- Am I really impacting anyone's life?
- What have I really done to make the world (my city, my job, my school, my home) a better place?
- Will anyone even notice if I do the right thing instead of take the easy way out?
- Does anyone care how hard I try?
If you are wrestling with any of these questions, let me share with you a promise that has helped me in times of doubt.
"So then my beloved brothers, be steadfast and immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord." - I Cor 15:58
We are promised that it is not empty, not in vain, not meaningless. Every ounce of effort you pour out working for the Lord will be effective, and the Lord is faithful to reward your efforts. This gives great reason to remain steadfast and press on, whether we see the results or not!
