August 31, 2026 - Meaningless?
- brooks16055
- 24 hours ago
- 3 min read
Ecclesiastes 4:4-7 NIV
[4] And I saw that all toil and all achievement spring from one person’s envy of another. This too is meaningless, a chasing after the wind. [5] Fools fold their hands and ruin themselves. [6] Better one handful with tranquility than two handfuls with toil and chasing after the wind. [7] Again I saw something meaningless under the sun:
I must admit that there are times that I get to this point as well. The feeling that it's all meaningless. A feeling like I'm chasing after wind. It makes me want to just climb into bed and sleep. But then I remember that the only things that are really meaningless are things that we are doing for ourselves. Our own sense of achievement and satisfaction. When I catch myself getting so caught up in busyness I realize that I need to get some balance. Slow down and look to Jesus to determine what matters and what doesn't. What is important to Him instead of what is important to me.
Ecclesiastes 4:8-12 NIV
[8] There was a man all alone; he had neither son nor brother. There was no end to his toil, yet his eyes were not content with his wealth. “For whom am I toiling,” he asked, “and why am I depriving myself of enjoyment?” This too is meaningless— a miserable business! [9] Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: [10] If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. [11] Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? [12] Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.
To labor for our own satisfaction without regard to God is all meaningless. To work so hard that we neglect important relationships is meaningless. This alone man is the same as any one of us who toil away to please anyone but God. We can have family and friends in our lives but if we are so busy toiling away at some work it is no different than being alone. Yes, two are better than 1 but I don't think this is talking just about two people. I think it's talking about us and God because even if we do not have another person in our lives, we have God, and if we are working with Him and in His power then our labor becomes valuable. If we are working in our own interest and by our own power, will we not waste our efforts? If we do have someone else in our life to work through things with then we are evens stronger because the two become three and when two people entwine their lives together with God, they become a three-strand cord. This is often used as a lesson for marriage, but would it not be true of any two people working together with God in His power? Two people who entwine their lives with God and in turn entwine their lives together for a purpose will be much stronger to achieve His will.
Life may sometimes feel meaningless, but when we are entwined with our Lord, we can see life in light of eternity and suddenly there is meaning.
Love that word “entwined” 😊