On Life & Scripture

Before I became a believer, I agonized over life’s meaning. I tried to find purpose in fleeting distractions, yet I felt empty. One night long ago, I sat alone in a cemetery with a gun. I was not depressed, just searching. If life had no meaning, why continue? Yet the thought of my life ending seemed no better than pretending life had meaning. I eventually drove away, not knowing that the Lord spared me and would one day show me true purpose.Solomon wrestled with these questions in Ecclesiastes. In chapter 1, he sees only vanity and weariness, repeating cycles without satisfaction (Ecc 1:2-9). Later, he shows that if we remember our Creator, even the ordinary becomes purposeful (Ecc 3:11). God and eternity change everything. Knowing him brings joy and meaning to everyday routines—washing dishes, working, or even raking leaves.Solomon’s message is evangelistic at its core. He calls us to remember the Creator, just as Paul reminded the Athenians that the true God made and sustains all things, urging them to seek him (Ac 17:24-27). We do not invent meaning. We return to the God who is eternal, sovereign, holy, good, and ever-present. He is not distant. He governs time and seasons. He knows each moment of our lives, transforms ordinary tasks, and works all things for our good (Ro 8:28).We are created in his image (Ge 1:27), designed to work, care for creation, and reflect his character. Although sin’s curse makes work frustrating, it remains a good gift. Even our Savior lived a humble life in Nazareth, showing that the ordinary can be holy when done for the Lord. As Paul says, “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord” (Col 3:23).How do we remember our Creator and trust him daily? Immerse yourself in his Word, where he reveals himself. Pray continually, acknowledging his presence and help. Cultivate gratitude, recognizing that every good gift comes from him (Jas 1:17). Reflect on the gospel, knowing that Christ redeems and sanctifies even our most mundane moments. Keep eternity in view, for our lives are part of his eternal plan.Solomon concludes, “Fear God and keep his commandments” (Ecc 12:13). This reverent trust leads us to find joy in all we do. We see that each day’s routines and responsibilities are woven into his sovereign tapestry.This understanding frees us from futility. We do not pretend life has meaning. We embrace the truth that the God who created and governs all things gives life meaning. Remember your Creator, trust him, and find purpose and joy—even in the ordinary.Recommended ReadingEvery Good Endeavor: Connecting Your Work to God's Work by Timothy Keller Ordinary: Sustainable Faith in a Radical, Restless World by Michael HortonThe Doctrine of the Christian Life (A Theology of Lordship) by John M. Frame Get full access to On Life & Scripture at jeremysarber.com/subscribe

Imagine you are a citizen of ancient Jerusalem around 945 BC. For thirty years, life has been good. The nation is at peace, prosperity abounds, and the temple stands as a glorious symbol of worship. Yet troubling changes are afoot. Pagan altars and idols have started to appear, signaling a slow drift from pure devotion to Yahweh.One day, the sound of shofars calls you to the king’s palace. You expect good news, but when the king appears, something is wrong. He shuffles forward, his shoulders slumped, his eyes weary. After a long silence, he cries out, “Vanity of vanities! All is vanity” (Ecc 1:2). He speaks of life’s futility and weariness, concluding, “All is vanity and a striving after wind” (Ecc 2:11). The crowd is bewildered. What has happened to the king?This scene reflects the tone of Ecclesiastes. The book presents two voices: the Preacher (Solomon) and the Narrator. The Preacher, described as “the son of David, king in Jerusalem,” shares reflections shaped by regret (Ecc 1:1). Solomon, once gifted with extraordinary wisdom, allowed his heart to turn away from God through idolatry. His accomplishments in wealth, power, and pleasure ultimately felt empty.Yet Ecclesiastes isn’t mere lament. Solomon warns others, especially the young, to avoid his mistakes. He urges, “Remember also your Creator in the days of your youth” (Ecc 12:1). Life’s routine can feel monotonous and unsatisfying, but the problem isn’t the routine—it’s a life lived apart from God. Solomon uses the phrase under the sun to describe a worldview that excludes God, eternity, and true purpose.In chapter 3, Solomon shifts perspective. He says, “For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven” (Ecc 3:1). Instead of meaningless cycles, he now sees life moving according to God’s sovereign plan. He acknowledges, “God has made everything beautiful in its time” (Ecc 3:11). The difference? God and eternity. When we recognize God’s purpose, even the mundane becomes meaningful.Consider something as simple as doing the dishes. It’s not just a chore. It’s an opportunity to serve, to fulfill your created purpose, and to reflect God’s order and care. Even small acts can be worship when offered to God.Douglas McKelvey captures this in his prayer: “Meet me therefore, O Lord, in the doing of the small, repetitive tasks… that by such stewardship I might bring a greater order to my own life… knowing that all good service faithfully rendered is first a service rendered unto you.”A life centered on God transforms everything, even washing dishes, into an act of joy and worship.Recommended readingLiving Life Backward: How Ecclesiastes Teaches Us to Live in Light of the End by David GibsonOrdinary: Sustainable Faith in a Radical, Restless World by Michael HortonProvidence by John PiperGod at Work: Your Christian Vocation in All of Life by Gene Edward Veith Jr. Get full access to On Life & Scripture at jeremysarber.com/subscribe