Fresh Startنموونە

Finding Meaning

In a fast-paced, information-obsessed, device-addicted world, it is easy to lose sight of what is meaningful in life. It is actually not surprising that rates of burnout, depression, and even suicide are at historical highs. It would seem that all of our modern conveniences are not actually providing the meaningful life we had hoped for.

But a quick look at Scripture reminds us that the sense of despair about life is not a new phenomenon.

Perhaps you’ve had similar feelings like those expressed in Ecclesiastes 1:1-3 (NIV). What is all this massive work for? Why am I keeping such an exhausting schedule, only to feel empty at the end of a long week?

The key to understanding Ecclesiastes is the phrase “under the sun”. It poetically describes life without God. Solomon expresses an ancient truth that is still relevant today: Trying to find meaning in life without God is exhausting and ultimately futile.

But what does it look like to bring God into the details of our lives? We still have jobs to go to, homes to clean, and bills to pay. The mundane but necessary activities of our lives rarely feel spiritual or meaningful.

A shift of perspective is usually the antidote. Recognise that there is no “sacred vs. secular” divide – God is in all things. Instead of dreading work, discipline yourself to thank God for a job that provides for your needs. While doing household chores, try singing worship songs as you clean, reminding yourself of the privilege of living under a roof. As you tolerate difficult people in your life, remind yourself of God’s grace that has accepted us in spite of our sins.

What would you consider as futile or meaningless in your life? How might adding God into those situations change things?