When Life Feels EmptySample

Between Seeing and Believing

What we see and what we believe. Will they ever agree? We believe in justice, but watch the wicked rise to power. We believe in love, yet we're constantly listening to song after song of heartbreak. The Book of Ecclesiastes is no stranger to this dissonance. It draws these pictures in high contrast.

At the center of Ecclesiastes is a man, simply referred to as “The Teacher.” His words amount to more than 90% of the entire book. Over and over, he wrestles with these dissonant chords. He draws prominent and startling figures, refusing to let us get comfortable with these contradictions.

At the heart of chapter 8 of Ecclesiastes, the Teacher is wondering, “Do the wicked really prosper?” Or will they get what they deserve for the evil they’ve done and the hurt they’ve caused? In Ecclesiastes 8:10, the Teacher says, “I have seen wicked people buried with honor.” What he sees and what he believes don’t agree.

Just like him, we can all think of evil people who got away with their crimes. But the Teacher goes the other direction in Ecclesiastes 8:12-13: “I know that those who fear God will be better off. The wicked will not prosper.” His words sound confident and conclusive, but before the end of this passage, he swings back the other way again: “Wicked people are often treated as though they were good. This is so meaningless!” (Ecclesiastes 8:14)

As followers of Christ, we see what the Teacher could not: Jesus risen in glory. Death has been defeated, injustice will not have the final word, and life has been made new. Because of what we believe, we can face the world with courage and hope, embrace every moment with joy, and trust that God’s love and goodness will ultimately prevail.

Prayer

Loving Father, in a world that often seems unjust and unfair, remind me to live by what I believe, not only by what I see; let Your resurrection power fill my heart with hope, guide my steps in freedom, and open my eyes to the beauty and gifts of each day, trusting You in all things.

In Jesus’ name.
Amen.