Grasping the Wind

Ecclesiastes 1:14: "I have seen all the works that are done under the sun; and indeed all is vanity and grasping for the wind."

When I read passages like this one, I have to wonder why people don't think the Bible is relevant. If anything the Bible hits too close to home for me on most days. I don't see how you can live in today's society and not understand that the words of the preacher in Ecclesiastes ring true.

If you watch the daily news you will hear stories about rising gas prices, falling home prices, rising health costs, falling stocks, rising unemployment, and falling job opportunities. Up and down, up and down, and what we fail to realize is that it's all vanity. It's all empty.

"But you don't know my situation!" I don't have to know the particulars to understand that most of us have come to live a lifestyle that is well above our means. There are those in this world who are seriously struggling to get by. There are those in our country who are just trying to meet the most basic needs in their lives. However, I believe, the majority of people in America have tried to live the "American Dream" by financing it. We are caught up in the rat race of get, give me, and I deserve. We don't plan for major purchases. We don't think about the future - much less save for it. And we don't keep ourselves from what we want.

You have to know that the man who wrote Ecclesiastes had everything he could have wanted. He had great wisdom, he possessed great wealth, he lacked for nothing. And yet, in all of his stuff he found nothing that could satisfy him. Does that sound like you today? Ask yourself these questions:
Are you satisfied with your home?
Are you satisfied with your car?
Are you satisfied with your job?
Are you satisfied with your income?
Are you satisfied with your spouse?
Are you satisfied with your hobbies?

These are just a few areas of our lives where we always seem to look for more. We are trying to satisfy ourselves with stuff rather than be content with the things we have. Then we spend 80 - 90 years of our life grasping for the wind.

Steven Curtis Chapman wrote a song several years ago called "More to this Life." The chorus says, "There's more to this life than living and dying, more than just trying to make it through the day." How true those words are! But most people live their week saying, "Oh no, it's Monday - - - - thank God it's Friday." We are not satisfied, we wish our lives away most days, and everything we strive to obtain can be lost in a split second.

How many times do we have to hear the reports of natural disasters destroying homes and lives before we realize that could be us? Shouldn't we find something in this life that is more permanent? Something that has a little more meaning? Yes - we should. And there is only one thing you can invest your time, effort, energy, and devotion into that will always pay you back - and it's a relationship with God through Jesus Christ.

Today, don't just focus on the now, do something that has eternal value. Share the gospel with a lost soul, give a helping hand without expecting anything in return, tell those around you that you love them, give encouragement to someone in distress. These things may not line your pocket, build up great wealth, or help your tax return; but at least they are things that have meaning and purpose.

Be Blessed in this day and stop grasping for the wind, instead be thankful for the resfreshing breeze.