“None under the Sun”

 If possible, turn to these Scriptures: Ecclesiastes 1:2–3, 14; 2:11

The Book of Ecclesiastes was written by Solomon. A man that at the end of his life, had many regrets. Solomon tried his hardest to get joy and pleasure. He looked long and hard for peace and satisfaction. In his troubled heart, he writes this book. In Chapter 1 you see his regret filled life. In Chapter 2 you see all his attempts to have joy and happiness.

Ecclesiastes 1:3 “What profit hath a man of all his labour which he taketh under the sun?”

His first attempt was at alcohol. Yet he says afterward it was folly. Perhaps he should of followed his own advice in Book of Proverbs 20:1.

 He tried finding joy in houses and vineyards. He had gardens and orchards. He had servants, maidens in his houses. In his many houses he bought, servants, maidens, men singers, and women singers. He had cattle all over Jerusalem. He collected much silver and gold. He had the most sought after treasures of the land. He had all the beautiful women he wanted to satisfy his lust. He had instrument players in his house to serenade to him. He had pools to soak in. His life was filled from start to end with the greatest of possessions.

Yet when he looked over his life, Solomon only spoke of regret and unfulfillment.

But what was Solomon’s core problem? What is the key factor that led to his countless regrets. The biggest issue is found in the third verse of Ecclesiastes.

Ecclesiastes 1:3 
“What profit hath a man of all his labour which he taketh under the sun?”

His biggest problem is that he tried finding joy, peace, and fulfillment under the sun. But the truth we can get from this verse is that you won't find any joy, peace, or fulfillment under the sun.

Now what is Solomon talking about when he said there is no profit under the sun. Solomon is saying that there is no joy or fulfillment in the world. True joy doesn't come from the world or material possessions (AKA under the sun). True joy comes from God! Fulfillment in life does not come from pleasing our flesh, or a secular career (aka under the sun). Fulfillment comes from living for Christ.

What a wonderful truth we can find in this principle. If you want to find peace, happiness, fulfillment, and satisfaction in your life, you won't find it under the sun. There is none under the sun. You will only find it through God!