“I observed everything going on under the sun, and really, it is all meaningless—like chasing the wind” (Ecclesiastes 1:14, NLT)

This life can never satisfy! I know, it is not a comforting statement, but if you have ever studied the book of Ecclesiastes, you understand why this is true. The wisest person (next to Jesus) who ever lived is searching for happiness and meaning “under the sun.” And it ain’t there!  

Thinking of our foster care system and what is so lacking, and the thought of our judiciary system that will be weighing in on what is best for our foster grands tomorrow, I am moved to feelings of despair. “What is wrong cannot be made right. What is missing cannot be recovered. . . the fastest runner doesn’t always win the race, and the strongest warrior doesn’t always win the battle. . .” (Eccl. 1:15; 9:11). But then Solomon reminds me, “Just as you cannot understand the path of the wind or the mystery of a tiny baby growing in its mother’s womb, so you cannot understand the activity of God, who does all things” (11:5).

It has been several years since I first wrote this post, and we are again deep in the reality of Ecclesiastes yet, praying for God to move and work through the very disappointments that continue to plague the foster care system.

And I remind myself of more of the insightful predictions found in the book of Ecclesiastes: “a good reputation is more valuable than costly perfume” …and “sorrow is better than laughter, for sadness has a refining influence on us” (Eccl. 7:1a, 3).

“I realized that no one can discover everything God is doing under the sun.”

Ecclesiastes 8:17a

So, live by faith being diligent in fearing God and obedient to His commands. He is the final Judge!