Ecclesiastes 6  The Preacher goes back to his theme of vanity or futility.  "There is an evil which I have seen under the sun and it is prevalent among men - " 

It is evil when a man works hard and does well.. but a "foreigner" comes and takes it away. 

It is evil when a man has many children and lives many years..  but is never satisfied and when he dies.. no one even cares enough to give him a proper burial. 

It is evil when a man lives a long prosperous life.. but never takes the time to enjoy anything. 

The Preacher writes, "For what advantage does the wise man have over the fool? What advantage does the poor man have, knowing how to walk before the living?"   It is all futile in his opinion.. for all die the same. "For who knows what is good for a man during his lifetime, during the few years of his futile life? He will spend them like a shadow.. " 

We recognize this type of thinking.. it is a worldview that seems to be quite prevalent today.  Work and make money.. live like you want.. do what you want to..care only about yourself.... nothing really matters anyway..  It is a hopeless and sad way of life.. it is no wonder there are so many people depressed and sick and hurting..  

Yet, we have an answer!  Not what they want to hear.. but what they need to hear!  

Jesus came for this very reason.. to reveal to us a God who sees us,  who loves us, and who wants to give us Life.. abundant and eternal!  There is hope in Him!

When troubles come.. He gives strength.

When all is lost.. He brings help. 

When we wait on Him.. He hears us. 

When we ask.. He answers.  When we seek.. He is there. When we knock.. He opens the door. 

Father, we hear this word and see the hopelessness in those around us. We pray that You will show us ways to share the truth of Your love and grace with those around us. Let the Word of God run rapidly and freely in this land we pray.. in Jesus' name. Amen.