PURSUIT OF LASTING HAPPINESS (part 2)

Consider the popularity of state-run mega-lotteries - the bigger the prize, the more money invested by hordes of hopefuls. People attempt to satisfy their every hunger and thirst, just as Solomon did, but in the end are left empty and thirsty. Some live to play golf. Others live for the weekend to support their favourite team. Others love to "party hearty." Still others accumulate wealth beyond what they could ever need. Then there are those who thirst for popularity or power. There is temporary pleasure in many things, but in the end, as Solomon observed in himself, no mortal pleasure satisfies forever. And hanging over the head of us all is the inevitable grave! Solomon is not the only Bible figure who saw the futility of mortal life. The prophet Isaiah observed that it is man's nature to chase after the fleeting wind of happiness. To those who strive for happiness through acquisition and temporal pleasures, he counsels,

"Come, all of you who are thirsty, come to the waters; and you who have no money, come, buy and eat! Come , buy wine and milk without money and without cost. Why spend money on what is not bread, and your labour on what does not satisfy? (Isaiah 55:1–2).

What is it that brings the happiness so many want - and that so many fail to find?

Solomon pointed to a life of work that lets us enjoy the fruits of our labour and care for the well-being of others.

"I know that there is nothing better for men than to be happy and do good while they live. That everyone may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all his toil - this is the gift of God." (Ecclesiastes 3:12–13).

But this cannot be the complete answer, as eating, drinking, and rejoicing will all come to an end someday - which is the very lesson Solomon wanted to impart! Solomon wrote from the perspective of the mortal man. If there is no life after death, then whether one is good or evil, wise or foolish, the same end still comes

" The wise man has eyes in his head while the fool walks in the darkness; but I came to realise that the same fate overtakes them both. Then thought in my heart, 'The fate of the fool will overtake me also. What then do I gain by being wise?' I said in my heart, 'this is too meaningless.' (Ecclesiastes 2:14–15).

Does this mean Solomon saw no hope beyond the grave? On the surface, that seems to be the case: For the living know that they will die; but the dead know nothing, and they have no more reward, for the memory of them is forgotten. Also their love, their hatred, and their envy have now perished; nevermore will they have a share in anything done under the sun…. Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might; for there is no work or device or knowledge or wisdom in the grave where you are going (Ecclesiastes 9:5–6, 10).

But Is Death the End? Solomon understood something that too few realise: Our mortality is an important part of how God is working with us.

"I also thought, 'As for men, God tests them so that see that they are like the animals. Man's fate is like that of the animals; the same fate awaits them both: As one dies, so does the other. All have the same breath; man has no advantage over the animal. Everything is meaningless. All go to the same place; all come from dust, and to dust all return.'" (Ecclesiastes 3:18–20).

Yes, God is testing each of us. He wants us to realize that life is temporary, but that - as Solomon clearly understood - it is not the end.

"I thought in my heart, 'God will bring to judgement both the righteous and the wicked, for there will be a time for every activity, a time for every deed." (Ecclesiastes 3:17).

We see this message repeated throughout the book of Ecclesiastes. Solomon recognized that our conduct during this mortal life does matter.

From another facet we are able to see, as well, Solomon's reflection on several apparent contradictions in God's control of the world: 1. There is wickedness where there should be justice; 2. People created in God's image die just like the animals; 3. No one comforts the oppressed; 4. Many people are motivated by envy; 5. People are lonely; 6. recognition for accomplishments are only temporary.

It is easy to use such contradictions as excuses not to believe God. But Solomon used them to show how we can honestly look at life's problems and still keep our faith.. This life is not all there is, yet even in this life we should not pass judgement on God because we don't know everything. One day we will. God's plan is for us to live forever with Him.

My advice is for you to live with eternal values in view, realising that all contradictions will one day be cleared up by the Creator Himself.

And in one of the best-known passages, Solomon counsels the next generation,

"Be happy, young man, while you are young, and let your heart give you joy in the days of your youth. Follow the ways of your heart and whatever your eyes see, but know that for all these things God will bring you to a judgement" (Ecclesiastes 11:9).

Solomon’s words are important. They cut to the heart of what we value. They contrast the choice of personal, selfish desire with the choice to look to something greater than the here and now.