When Life Feels Emptyنموونە

What Pleasure Is Worth Pursuing?

“Sex, drugs, and rock n’ roll.” The Teacher of Ecclesiastes was among the first to write about them, recounting his “many beautiful concubines,” cheering himself with wine, and entertaining himself with live music.

Gardens and livestock may sound quaint to our modern ears, but the Teacher’s word in Hebrew is “paradise.” He wasn’t creating a few nice public parks. He was attempting to build paradise. Like him, we are still hoping to bring heaven to earth. Same desire. Different details.

He worked hard, too. He knew there was a particular kind of pleasure that comes from a job well done, so he pursued it. He achieved it.

The actor Jim Carrey has said, “I think everybody should get rich and famous and do everything they ever dreamed of so they can see that it's not the answer.” His insight is not new. He sounds a lot like Ecclesiastes. There really is nothing new under the sun.

So, what are we to do?

You have a choice: Spend your whole life collecting as much pleasure as possible, just for the chance to prove Jim Carrey wrong, or to prove him right. That’s choice number 1. Choice number 2 is this: Listen to what he’s saying, and hear the ancient wisdom he’s repeated, then get on with living your life for something better.

In 1646, more than 100 theologians gathered to discuss, among many things, the purpose of human life. Together they summed it up this way: “The chief end of man is to glorify God and enjoy him forever.”

True fulfillment is not found in fleeting pleasures or worldly pursuits. When we anchor our hearts in the Lord, every desire is met in ways nothing else can satisfy, every moment is infused with meaning, and we discover a lasting joy that transforms everything we do.

Prayer

Dear God, in the midst of fleeting pleasures and empty pursuits, draw me to the joy that never fades; help me glorify You in every moment, delight in Your presence above all else, and find true satisfaction in the life You give, savoring each breath as a gift from Your hand.

In Jesus’ name.
Amen.