Solomon had everything: wisdom, wealth, power, and influence. He had experienced life to the fullest, yet he came to a conclusion that none of it could truly satisfy. Despite having everything most people dream of, he realized they were all ultimately “meaningless,” like chasing the wind.
Ecclesiastes 1:14 (NIV): “I have seen all the things that are done under the sun; all of them are meaningless, a chasing after the wind.”
It’s easy to get caught up in the pursuit of what we think will bring us fulfillment. It could be a relationship, a promotion, a certain way of life—believing that once we get it, we will feel complete. But even when we do reach those goals, we’re often left asking, “Is this it?” That’s what Solomon is pointing out.
Ecclesiastes 2:11 says, “When I surveyed all that my hands had done and what I had toiled to achieve, everything was meaningless, a chasing after the wind; nothing was gained under the sun.”
These things can never fully satisfy us because they aren’t meant to. They’re fleeting, temporary, and ultimately hollow when placed at the center of our hearts.
This doesn’t mean that relationships, careers, or achievements are bad. They can be wonderful gifts when we view them through the lens of God’s will. But when we place our identity and sense of worth in them, they become idols.
This is why having a relationship with God is so important. It’s not about going through the motions or only turning to Him in times of need—it’s about having a daily encounter with Him that will shape every aspect of our lives.
Matthew 6:33 says, “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” When we make God the center of our lives, everything else falls into place. We stop looking to temporary things to fulfill us and begin to find our peace, worth, and joy in Him alone.
Jesus made it clear in John 15:5: “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me, you can do nothing.” Just as a branch cannot survive without being connected to the vine, we can’t truly live without being rooted in God. Our sense of purpose and fulfillment flows directly from our relationship with Him. Without that connection, we are like a branch that just withers and dies.
Conclusion: The truth is, no matter how hard we chase after things—relationships, success, or approval—if they’re not rooted in God, they will leave us feeling empty. True satisfaction comes not from what we achieve or accumulate but from knowing God deeply and making Him the center of our lives. So let’s stop chasing what will never satisfy and start pursuing the One who gives our lives true meaning, purpose, and peace.
Loneliness is a powerful feeling. Like desperation, it can make people settle for less—for relationships they know aren’t right. They do this just to fill the empty space in their hearts. However, if you make a decision based on loneliness, it will often lead to premium tears—your temporary fix causing you long-term pain.
Sometimes we mix it up, but get it straight now. God didn’t propose marriage to Adam because he was lonely. No! There’s a world of difference between being alone and being lonely.
“And the Lord God said, ‘It is not good that man should be alone; I will make him a helper comparable to him.’” Genesis 2:18 [NKJV]
A man can be alone, but not lonely. Another man can be married to a woman, yet lonely. “Being alone” means being singular—be it physically, in an assignment or project, etc. while “being lonely” is a void in the heart—a feeling of emptiness in the soul that is often caused by a lack of active participation in purpose.
Adam was too busy with what God had committed into his hands to do that he didn’t even have time to be lonely. He was alone but not lonely. God had to come to initiate marriage when he saw that Adam needed a helper.
For singles, the temptation to say “Maybe this is the best I can get” often springs from loneliness. Seeing others in relationships makes matters worse, making you feel like time is running out. That’s desperation. But don’t let the feeling of loneliness and desperation push you into something unhealthy. It’s better to wait alone than to walk into a relationship that steals your peace, your values, or your destiny. The wrong relationship will drain you much more than loneliness ever could.
For married couples, well, you can be married and still be lonely. Loneliness can still creep in—especially when communication is broken down or when life gets overwhelming. However, the solution isn’t to withdraw, seek emotional validation elsewhere, or compare your spouse to others. The solution is to fight for your marriage to thrive again—work towards reconnecting. Talk. Pray together. Block out every channel (the opposite gender) that gives you emotional satisfaction. Remember why you chose each other. And fight to reconnect.
A good marriage is not built on constant excitement; it’s built on commitment through every season. Commit to working on your marriage. Commit to fighting for the spark to return again. Sometimes, or most times, it starts with just one of the spouses. If it’s you, then don’t get discouraged. Keep your eyes on the goal, regardless of what you see on the way. Don’t allow loneliness to last. Don’t allow it to lead you into an emotional affair and, ultimately, a full-blown affair.
Ultimately, may we all always recognize that God is always present with us, so we can draw strength from Him.
“Do not fear, for I am with you.” Isaiah 41:10.
God is always present, even in seasons when you feel lonely. So, instead of making hasty decisions out of desperation as singles, trust that His timing is perfect. While waiting, keep active with your purpose. The right love—one that honors God—will come. And if you’re married, the love you already have can be strengthened.
