Striving after Wind

Ecc. 1:17-18

"And I applied my heart to know wisdom and to know madness and folly, I perceived that this also is but a striving after wind."

Earlier in this chapter Solomon said that he had seen everything that was done under the sun. He had pursued all that the world had to offer including position, fame, wealth, and relationships. Whatever his heart had desired, he had sought for hoping to have the ultimate fulfillment in possessing it. Sadly, they all ended the same way. His conclusion was: "All is vanity and a striving after wind." What is vanity? Literally, the word vanity means "vapor" implying something "fleeting, ephemeral, and elusive." How significant since one of Solomon's chief aims was to find a meaning for life! He realized that the crooked could not be made straight, and what was lacking could not be counted. On one hand, I am sure he was frustrated with the presence and power of sin in all of life, but on the other hand, I am sure he was perplexed at what he could not understand about life. Many people have struggled with these same issues and have pretty much arrived at this same conclusion; but for me, I see it as man struggling for meaning apart from God, apart from seeing His sovereign plan. Even though I often wonder why God would allow some things, I can always rest in Him and His wisdom. I know that His thoughts and ways are not mine. Apart from Jesus, all is vanity and striving after wind. Jesus is the Rock, unmoving and everlasting. He is the anchor and the cornerstone of my foundation. I love how the words that describe Jesus are the opposite of 'fleeting, ephemeral, and elusive." Jesus is the answer to the searching of man's heart, the answer to man's quest for wisdom. I am so thankful that I do not have to spend my life running after the wind, never connecting and always unfulfilled. Who wants to race when vanity is the prize?

As I read this, I have two responses. First, I am so blessed because I race for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus and not for the 'Vanity Classic.' Secondly, I must ask myself if I still strive after wind. Are there times when I want what the world has? Does my focus shift? Have I neglected to 'forget the things that lie behind and strain forward to what lies ahead?

Father,

Send Your Spirit to sharpen my focus. Reveal to me when I have fallen into the snare of striving after wind. Jesus, You are my Anchor and Rock. Thank You for choosing me to live Your life of meaning and purpose.

In Jesus name,

Amen