Have you ever longed for something more than this earth has to offer? I know I have. In fact, I can remember as a college student I was disappointed with what the world had to offer and had a desire for something more. How do we explain that longing?

It appears that King Solomon understood this truth as well. In fact, of all people, he was able to experience more of what the world had to offer than most. He was king of Israel at its pinnacle; he had wealth, hundreds of wives and concubines, built cities, palaces, planted gardens, was the wisest man ever to live and had fame. With all of that notice what he says in Ec. 3:11,

“He (God) has planted eternity in the human heart, but even so, people cannot see the whole scope of God’s work from beginning to end.”

God has planted in the heart of man a longing for eternity. A desire for more than what temporal earth has to offer. As the BKC states it, “People have a longing or desire to know the extratemporal significance of themselves and their deeds or activities.” We long to know that our life has lasting significance.

This verse also states that we cannot fully understand God and his ways. That can be frustrating for us because we want to know why things are the way they are, but God has intentionally created us with limitations. This lack of understanding can be discouraging. The BKC goes on to say,

“They (man) cannot know the sovereign, eternal plan of God. Human labor is without profit because people are ignorant of God’s eternal plan, the basis by which He evaluates the appropriateness and eternal significance of all their activities. Because of this ignorance there is an uncertainty and latent temporality to the value of all one’s labor.”

These observations by Solomon continue to lead us to the end of the book where he states that living for God now and knowing that I will one day give an account of my life to him is what should occupy our primary focus. A life lived for God is a life well lived.

Father, thank you for explaining why I long to experience more and see that my life is of significance and value.  Thank you also for the reminder that I have limitations in my ability to understand you plan and that a life lived for you is a life of great eternal value.  Help me to live daily with you as my priority.

Following Jesus with you,

Jeff