Thursday Devotional - Chasing after the Wind of Greatness

Solomon didn’t find satisfaction from chasing after wisdom, wealth or pleasure, apart from God’s plans. He also found chasing after greatness equally meaningless, apart from God.

Ecclesiastes 2:4-11      I undertook great projects: I built houses for myself and planted vineyards. ⁵ I made gardens and parks and planted all kinds of fruit trees in them. ⁶ I made reservoirs to water groves of flourishing trees. ⁷ I bought male and female slaves and had other slaves who were born in my house. I also owned more herds and flocks than anyone in Jerusalem before me. ⁸ I amassed silver and gold for myself, and the treasure of kings and provinces. I acquired male and female singers, and a harem as well—the delights of a man’s heart. ⁹ I became greater by far than anyone in Jerusalem before me. In all this my wisdom stayed with me.

¹⁰ I denied myself nothing my eyes desired;
    I refused my heart no pleasure.
My heart took delight in all my labor,
    and this was the reward for all my toil.
¹¹ Yet when I surveyed all that my hands had done
    and what I had toiled to achieve,
everything was meaningless, a chasing after the wind;
    nothing was gained under the sun.

Solomon attained greatness that far exceeded anyone before, during or after his time (I Kings 3:11-13). He used his wisdom not only for his own benefit, but for the benefit of his entire country and those outside his country. Yet, attaining greatness for the sake of attaining greatness, didn’t satisfy.

Ecclesiastes 2:24-25     A person can do nothing better than to eat and drink and find satisfaction in their own toil. This too, I see, is from the hand of God,²⁵ for without him, who can eat or find enjoyment?

God desires us to live, work and serve with excellence. If we pursue greatness on our own and for ourselves, though, it won’t bring lasting joy and true satisfaction.

Where are you and I more focused on earthly greatness than on the great things God has purposed for you and me? I can easily get caught up in my own expectations of myself or family members rather than what God deems important or a priority. God may have us pursue a prestigious degree or position, keep an immaculate house and pristine yard, or master a unique skill. Let’s make sure it’s the greatness He desires, used for His glory, then it will bring lasting joy that satisfies!

Alice