Ecclesiastes 6-8
Who Knows What is Good for a Man
Our title today comes from Chapter 6:12. Solomon is searching for the meaning of life, trying to find the answer by searching in the wrong place. He has tried every pleasure the world has to offer and this has only resulted in confusion and hopelessness as he describes his life, a lifetime of futility. In Chapter 7:28 he says he is still seeking but not finding any answers.
To be sure, he does impart tidbits of wisdom as he carries on his search but even these can be tainted by his hopeless attitude and frustration.
In 1 Corinthians 14:33 the apostle Paul says that God is a God of peace and not confusion. This is true for Solomon and it is true for us. Often times when there is confusion, frustration, a sense of hopelessness in life, it is because we are focused on the wrong thing. One thing that Solomon did learn in his search is that he was not in control of the world and world events. Storms happen. Injustice happens. Wars happen. Health issues happen. All of these things, and more, are out of our control and when one does try to control them there is no peace, only frustration and often hopelessness.
In Isaiah 26:3 we read, The steadfast of mind Thou wilt keep in perfect peace, because he trusts in Thee. NASB
Solomon would have benefitted greatly if he had put into practice the words he wrote in Proverbs 3:5&6. When Solomon started to focus on the world and the peace it offered he lost focus on God because he was placing his trust in the world and its ways. If we want real peace we need to keep our focus on God.
Jesus, in John 14: 27, acknowledged that the world does offer peace but that peace will not calm a troubled heart, but the peace He offers does. In John 16:33 Jesus said that if we are focused on this world we will have tribulation like Solomon was experiencing. True peace will only be found in Him because He has overcome the world.
Perfect peace is only found in our Lord.
Got Peace?
Pastor Dave