Life can seem bleak and confusing. Even during times of plenty, people struggle with the meaning of life and the purpose for their existence. Suicide rates have disturbingly held steadily at their peak for the last 2 years.

Despite that data, despair is nothing new. Ecclesiastes is an ancient text, yet it describes the wisest man’s (most likely Solomon’s) search for meaning. At the end of his life, He comes up empty — or so it seems.

I worked at a summer camp as a counselor of pre-teen girls one year. One of my charges came to me with tears in her eyes after reading part of Ecclesiastes. She was struggling as she read the Bible tell her that “everything is meaningless.”

I encouraged her to read through to the end with me.

“When all has been heard, the conclusion of the matter is this: fear God and keep his commands, because this is the whole duty of humanity.” (Ecclesiastes‬ ‭12‬:‭13,‬ ‭CSB)‬‬

After his life of searching, experimentation, and exploration, the wisest man finally determined that God was all that mattered. The meaning of life can be found in God. And great joy can be found by getting to know our beautiful, mysterious, and loving Creator.

Dear God,

Thank you for giving me space to explore life and make mistakes. I know it hurts you to watch me flail about in my search for meaning and purpose, especially when you offer it readily and freely. Thank you for providing the answers — all that I need to know in this life anyway. Remind me to trust you, to obey you, and be content in your wisdom and beauty.