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
If you have never experienced 117-degree weather before, let me explain what it feels like: an oven. Over the summer, I had the privilege to go to Israel for three weeks, where I experienced this weather for the first time. I quickly learned that when it is 117 degrees outside, you continuously search for water. My friends and I were always thinking about where our next source of water was going to be. Our tour guide did his best to let us know when we would have an opportunity to fill our water bottles up with fresh water so that we could be prepared. My constant desire for water is something I will always remember from my trip to Israel.
Just like I was always thirsty in the summer heat of Israel, all of us are naturally thirsty. Beyond our thirst for water, we are thirsty for other things like fulfillment, purpose, belonging, love, and being fully known. We are searching for these things because God created us with these desires.
Solomon, the writer of Ecclesiastes, knew what it was like to be thirsty. He was wealthy, wise, and well-known. He had everything that one would think a person needs, yet he was still thirsty. After thinking about all he owned and everything he had accomplished, he wrote in Ecclesiastes that he was weary and tired. He was thirsty.
Can you relate to Solomon's thirst? Do you have this thirst that cannot be quenched by anything or any person on this earth? As we continue this week of devotions, we will continue to talk about this thirst that we all have for meaning, purpose, and love. Today, however, we need to stop and acknowledge our thirst, because it is not until we realize we are thirsty that our need for something to drink can be met. We have to know we are thirsty to pick up a cup of water and drink.
We must begin this week by recognizing that we are all thirsty. What areas in your life are you feeling thirsty, dry, and weary? Where are you longing for God to work in your life? Maybe you are praying for healing, deep friendships, financial stability, or a spouse. Perhaps you feel disconnected from Him and distracted by many things in this life. Tell Him today! In your journal, tell God that you are thirsty and desperate for Him to move. Ask Him to work in these areas as you go about your week.
Read Ecclesiastes 1:1-8 (NLT)
These are the words of the Teacher, King David’s son, who ruled in Jerusalem.
“Everything is meaningless,” says the Teacher, “completely meaningless!”
What do people get for all their hard work under the sun? Generations come and generations go, but the earth never changes. The sun rises and the sun sets, then hurries around to rise again. The wind blows south, and then turns north. Around and around it goes, blowing in circles. Rivers run into the sea, but the sea is never full. Then the water returns again to the rivers and flows out again to the sea. 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.
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