The book of Ecclesiastes begins with the subtitle “The Futility of all Endeavor,” penned by the great King Solomon. Chosen over his brothers by God and his father King David, he was given power, wisdom, fame, fortune, and wealth. He was highly favored, giving him the utmost respect of the people; and God gave him the honor and authority to build the Temple. Yet the man who had it all wrote about the human experience of toiling and spinning for everything under the sun only to watch everything pass away.

I turned my head and saw yet another wisp of smoke on its way to nothingness: a solitary person, completely alone—no children, no family, no friends—yet working obsessively late into the night, compulsively greedy for more and more, never bothering to ask, “Why am I working like a dog, never having any fun? And who cares?” More smoke. A bad business.

Ecclesiastes 4:7-8 MSG

Solomon took the throne during a time of abundance, and as women today, we too have come into a time of affluence and prosperity. It is certainly a great time in history to be a woman. Female politicians now lead nations. Women teach the Bible and lead ministries, sharing the Gospel globally. In entertainment, women are creating incredible multi-million-dollar productions that employ thousands of people. The top three youngest billionaires are now all females. Women seem to be taking over the world!

However, while women continue to make strides like never before, we still struggle to find our way. There is a deep discontentment in our collective spirit. So many are profoundly dissatisfied with life just like Solomon wrote in today’s passage. Suicide and depression are at all-time highs and climbing. Anxiety and fear are leading to dramatic increases in substance addiction. We are constantly comparing ourselves to others, obsessing over social media, causing us to toil and spin out of control, desperately trying to find identity and purpose.

So what is the cause of all this discontent amongst advancement? How can we find peace in prosperity? We must stop looking to the right and the left and instead keep our eyes, our focus, on the One who created us, going from confusion to clarity knowing we are enough in our relationship with the Creator of the universe. We must identify with Him first, not the ever-changing world. Stop seeking people’s approval and walk in the favor according to God’s plan set before us.

And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith.

Hebrews 12:1-2 NLT

Roots

In the struggles we discussed today, which ones are specifically affecting you in your personal strength and growth?

Blooms

In the circumstances you’re walking through right now, where do you need to change course, take your eyes off others, and look to Christ alone?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, help me to constantly surrender my toiling and spinning to You. When I begin to strive and struggle, give me the strength to lift my head and place my eyes only on You. In Jesus’ name, amen.