![[Photo of a Scripture verse]](https://www.deankwilson.com/Blog_images/Ecclesiastes_9_11.jpg)
| “The race is not to the swift or the battle to the strong…” |
| —Ecclesiastes 9:11 |
King Solomon uses the phrase “under the sun” to describe life on this earth where there is no transcendent glory present. In other words, life “under the sun” is a life for humans without the Presence of a Holy God in their lives. Instead of allowing a relationship with God to define their lives, these ones are trapped in a godless world that has no boundaries, no defining purpose, and no hope.
Please take note of these words from Solomon, as recorded in Ecclesiastes 9:11-12:
I have seen something else under the sun: The race is not to the swift or the battle to the strong, nor does food come to the wise or wealth to the brilliant or favor to the learned; but time and chance happen to them all.
Moreover, no one knows when their hour will come: As fish are caught in a cruel net, or birds are taken in a snare, so people are trapped by evil times that fall unexpectedly upon them.
Since God is the Creator and Sustainer of the universe, attempting to live life without acknowledging who He is and what He has done leaves humans adrift in an endless sea of meaninglessness. It is God who gives reason and purpose to human life. A relationship with Him is absolutely necessary to enjoy life to the fullest.
I suspect, and many Bible scholars believe as well, that Solomon wrote this somewhat disturbing book out of a sense of confession for the parts of His life that He realized did not follow God’s pathway. Here, at the end of his life, Solomon is attempting to help those around him see the folly of attempting to live without the driving force of life, namely God Himself.
As we begin a new day, let’s bow in prayer and thank God for His goodness to us who believe. Let’s allow Him to fill our lives full of His meaning and worth. Then, let’s willingly share, with great joy, how God’s Presence has given our lives the best possible meaning and worth.
