Everything is wearisome beyond description.
No matter how much we see, we are never satisfied.
No matter how much we hear, we are not content.
(Ecclesiastes 1:8 NLT)

Call me crazy, but I love Ecclesiastes. Perhaps it is because I consider myself a realist, but I love it. It speaks to me every time I read it. Even though it can seem a little moody and without the proper context it can be downright depressing, it helps me to refocus on what is really important.

This verse struck me recently. As I have been nearing the end of my busy season at work, the first line seemed so appropriate. I think just about everyone feels this from time to time. “Everything is wearisome” It reminds me of Eeyore from Winnie the Pooh. This mentality that every task I do carries a weight. A weight that while I can carry it, I just don’t want to. I’m tired. I want to be done. Can’t I just be done? But of course, life goes on and, I muster up the strength to take on the next thing.

This verse is saying I’m not alone and neither are you if you ever feel this way. It strikes at the heart of it with the next two lines too. It speaks to exactly why we get so weary - we are expecting too much. Striving too much. Doing too much. We are a results driven society longing to check boxes and keep up with the Jones. Unfortunately, no matter what we do, it will never be enough. We will never be satisfied. We will never be content…. with stuff.

Contentment can only come from Him. Our relationship with Him. Our desire and pursuit of Him. Our passion for Him brings contentment with the world and rest from the weariness.

Father - I pray for my desire and pursuit of you right now. I pray that it is sparked with fire and passion. I am tired and weary. I long to be content , but I know the things this world says will bring contentment simply won’t. Forgive me for running after those, and help me to run after you. In Jesus’ Name - Amen