Chasing the Wind

I have seen several documentaries on television about people who have literally chased tornados. Sometimes they have put themselves in harm’s way, but they get a kind of buzz and fulfilment when they catch a tornado on film.

King Solomon talks about chasing the wind, meaning that we are wasting our time, because it can never be caught. I’m aware that there are times when I’ve chased the wind; by venturing into some project that God hasn’t called me into, wasting my time, energy and money on something which isn’t worthwhile. But I’ve learnt God gives wisdom, knowledge and joy when we please Him. ‘For God gives wisdom and knowledge and joy to a man who is good in His sight’ (Ecclesiastes 2:26).

Solomon also says in Ecclesiastes that it’s God’s gift to man to eat, drink and take pleasure in all his toil. God truly wants us to find enjoyment with whatever occupies us. We can truly do this when we know that we’re doing it for the Lord. ‘Go, eat your bread with joy, and drink your wine with a merry heart; for God has already accepted your works’ (Ecclesiastes 9:7). I interpret this to mean it’s good to enjoy your food with God’s blessing.

There is some excellent advice in Ecclesiastes, and when we read it in the light of the Gospel we can find hope, encouragement and how ‘not to chase the wind’. The book of Ecclesiastes is ended with this conclusion about life: ‘Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man’ (Ecclesiastes 12:13).

Prayer: Lord help us to value what You have given us and to be grateful for life itself. Thank You that You have put eternity in our hearts that we might know You, in Jesus’ name. Amen.