“I have seen everything that is done under the sun, and behold, all is vanity and a striving after wind.” (Ecclesiastes 1:14 ESV).
In Solomon’s book of Ecclesiastes, he referred to himself as the Preacher (Qoheleth) who looked at life “under the sun” and concluded that everything was “vanity” and like “striving after wind.” The Hebrew word translated “vanity” (hebel) meant breath or vapor—something fleeting and insubstantial. Solomon had observed human pursuits and achievements apart from God, and they all ended in futility. The Greek Septuagint translated Qoheleth as Ekklesiastes—“the one calling out.” Solomon was calling out to his hearers with this sobering truth: unless there is more to life than what is under the sun, life is meaningless. This verse sets the thesis of the entire book. Life pursued apart from God’s eternal perspective cannot satisfy. Solomon described the futility of attempting to find lasting purpose and satisfaction in the created order instead of the Creator.
We, like Solomon, can be tempted to chase meaning in the things of this world. Career success, wealth, pleasure, or recognition may offer temporary satisfaction, but they fade like mist. When we live only “under the sun,” we end up weary and empty, chasing the wind. Yet in Christ, we are invited to lift our eyes “beyond the sun.” Paul urged believers to set their minds on the realities of heaven, “where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God” (Col. 3:1-4). We discover that life is not meaningless at all when Christ is our treasure.
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, we confess how often we chase after wind by seeking fulfillment in things that cannot satisfy. Teach us to lift our eyes above the sun, setting our hearts on Christ, who is our life and our meaning. Help us live with eternity in view, finding joy and purpose in You alone. In Jesus’ name, amen.