Is anything satisfying?

Every day we’re asking four questions about part of the Bible. Today Helen Leckie answers:

What did I like about today’s passage?

“Meaningless! Meaningless!”
says the Teacher.
“Utterly meaningless!
Everything is meaningless.” (Eccl 1:2)

I love that this book does not mince words. It’s someone seeing an endless repetition in life and wondering what it’s all for. This concern is at least as common today as it was back then. In fact the Alpha campaign uses the slogan ‘Is there more to life than this?’ This is a soul expressing itself to God fully, and it’s not any old soul – this is the ‘teacher, son of David, king of Jerusalem’ – presumably Solomon. The wisest, richest, most powerful king, with great buildings and all the earthly pleasures a man could wish for. If he struggled at times to see what it was all for, is it any wonder that we wonder the same thing at times? Is there any hope for us to understand if he did not?

I love that he doesn’t leave it as a question – he throws himself into his research, rejecting wisdom, laughter, wine, women, building monuments, power, wealth, music. He doesn’t deny that he feels some pleasure but still wonders how it fits into a bigger picture.

One thing that the Teacher keeps coming back to in this book is about finding satisfaction in ‘toil’ or work, rather than in the results. As an occupational therapist I see the value it can give to people’s lives to have some meaningful occupation – not always paid work – as part of a getting a balance in our lives.

What did it show me about Father God, Jesus or the Holy Spirit?

God doesn’t rebuke the Teacher but seems to soften his heart. By Chapter 3 we come to the famous “A Time for Everything” poem (and my brain can’t stop thinking about the Byrds song). This feels altogether more calm and more accepting. It doesn’t have any more answers than the teacher started out with, but recognises a rhythm in life that seems to make a sense in itself. If you are feeling low, perhaps depressed, don’t be afraid of telling God all your doubts and fears. God knows what you need and he can come beside you and be with you through it.

One thing we know that the Teacher did not, was the hope that comes from Jesus – that God takes joy in us being ourselves and in seeking him. And if we team with him, then “everything God does will endure forever; nothing can be added to it and nothing taken from it.” (3:14)

What am I going to do differently as a result?

Before I go into work, I always pray about the day ahead, and give thanks for successes. But now I feel prompted to give thanks for the actual tasks in my day – the Team meetings, the emails, the process of trying to unlock people’s motivation.

Who am I going to share this with?

My husband, and possibly my work colleagues!