A hopeless existence is a life absent of God. When God created humanity, He placed His law in the minds and hearts of everyone (Hebrews 8:10). For this reason, every man, woman, and child has a connection to Him. However, when Adam and Eve fell from God’s grace (Genesis 3), He changed His way of revealing Himself (Romans 10:9).

I’ve been attending a Bible Study covering the Book of Ecclesiastes. This twelve-week session uses Dr. David Jeremiah’s “Searching For Heaven On Earth.” The first two weeks prompted me to write about this outstanding revelation of God’s presence.

Pastor Jeremiah’s presentation of Ecclesiastes is thought-provoking. His explanation of the first two chapters clarifies the message behind Solomon’s writing.  

In Ecclesiastes, one word and one phrase are mentioned several times. The word vanity appears nearly forty times, and “under the sun” is stated about twenty-nine times. These two concepts set the tone for the message that Solomon discovered: without God at the center of one’s life is a hopeless existence.

Vanity

Pastor Jeremiah described vanity as emptiness. A useless state of being where humanity leaves God out and tries to find meaning in life. This self-reliant outlook on taking control of one’s life appears to bring contentment. However, it misses the main focus of life—God. Therefore, the outcome of this manner of living brings forth unhappiness.

In the first two chapters, the primary focus of Solomon’s discovery unearths the unsatisfactory of living life through self-reliance. He discloses how the fate of each person isn’t unique.

His magnificent portrayal of how the sun, water, and wind remain the same. This reality is the same today as when he walked on earth.

Another significant point he makes is that each generation passes, and the next emerges. He unveils nothing is new, for everything already exists (Eccl. 2-11).

In Chapter Two, Solomon testified to his disappointments with personal achievements. He didn’t hold back and shared that all his accolades brought nothing worthwhile (Eccl. 2:1-11).

As shown above, Solomon uncovers the spiritual fruitlessness of personal effort is a hopeless existence. We know this truth because Christ is God’s only entrance into His kingdom (John 14:6).

Under The Sun

God used Solomon to provide insight into the difference between living under the sun and one centered on Him. This undeniable discernment is the reality of salvation.

We agree that God brought us above the sun and into His incredible kingdom. This revelation transformed us from one living apart from Him to a life placed in Christ and guided by the Holy Spirit. Our Father chose us and forgave our transgressions.

Living under the sun brings worry, fear, and anxiety. But on the other hand, living with God, He provides us with abundant provisions. Our Father never leaves us lacking food, water, or clothing. No, He ensures these provisions as long as we seek Him above everything (Matthew 6:25-34). However, the most significant of His graciousness is the sacrifice of His Son Jesus Christ (John 3:16-17).

I know what it is like to live under the sun. I chased after personal desires. Alcohol didn’t bring joy. No, it caused physical, emotional, and spiritual bankruptcy. My marriage ended in divorce because it wasn’t God-centered. Resentment, bitterness, and rage caused me misery.

Final Thoughts

Given these points, a hopeless existence is one of vanity and under the sun. Nothing good results from my apartness away from God. Left to my resources, I can’t solve life problems. No, only Jesus can.

What are your thoughts?