Wrap Up

We read through one of the strangest books of the Bible. It isn’t easy to read. It doesn’t make sense. The book is depressing and sad and vanity.
When I taught about Solomon in Sunday School, he was presented as wise, rich, and powerful. Since he was wise, rich, and powerful, I assumed he was happy. Wise, rich, and powerful people are always happy. Then, I found this book. These are not the writings of a happy person. These are the writings of a person who is tired. Wisdom brings pain. Riches highlight our need for something more than physical security. Power presents a host of problems that those of us without it cannot understand.
Solomon talked to God. Solomon knew there was something so much more than what he could experience. Maybe the longing we hear in this book is the expression of a man longing to be home. A taste of God would leave you dissatisfied with anything available here on earth.
Vanity of vanities, all is vanity but this vanity has been given to us by the Lord to prepare us for Himself. We are to work and love and share. We are to continue until we are called home. Depression is one of the enemies we are called to fight. The bleak outlook and feelings of despondency are not easy to overcome. Our Father though was aware that we would face this battle. He wrote us this love note, Ecclesiastes, to let us know that He knows about depression. He understands. He understands and He loves us so much that He will help us make it through these valleys and into joy.