Good morning. Today is Wednesday, June 8th!

🥳 Congratulations on starting today with God, and thank you for letting us be a part of it.

— Ecclesiastes 12:13

Have you ever heard the phrase, “everything under the sun”? One of the most common ways it’s used is, “I’ve tried everything under the sun.”

Most people don’t realize that expression has its roots in the book of Ecclesiastes.

Today, we use “everything under the sun” to mean almost everything you can imagine.

But Solomon meant something much deeper.

Throughout Ecclesiastes, Solomon repeatedly uses the phrase “under the sun,” nearly 30 times. In fact, one of the first times he uses it, he writes:

“I applied my mind to study and to explore by wisdom all that is done under the heavens.” (Ecclesiastes 1:13)

Then he says:

“I have seen all the things that are done under the sun; all of them are meaningless, a chasing after the wind.” (Ecclesiastes 1:14)

So what does “under the sun” mean?

At its simplest, it means life here on earth. It’s the world we live in with all its work, money, success, relationships, joy, pain, and eventually death.

But Solomon means more than just our location. He’s also talking about our perspective.

Life “under the sun” is life viewed through human eyes. We can only see what’s in front of us. We don’t know the future. We don’t always understand why things happen. We can’t see what God is doing behind the scenes.

That’s why Solomon wrestles with questions we still ask today. Why do good people suffer? Why do wicked people seem to succeed? What’s the point of working so hard if someone else may inherit everything you’ve built?

So Solomon searches for meaning in everything under the sun. He pursues wisdom, wealth, pleasure, accomplishments, and success. Yet after experiencing more than almost anyone else, he realizes none of those things can truly satisfy the human heart.

Only at the end does he give the answer:

“Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind.” (Ecclesiastes 12:13)

Ecclesiastes isn’t saying life has no meaning. It’s saying that nothing under the sun can be our ultimate source of meaning. 

When you’re not sure how to pray, A.C.T.S. gives you a simple path to follow: Adore, Confess, Thank, and Ask.

Adoration: Father, You are eternal and in control.

Confession: Forgive me for focusing on what’s under the sun instead of on You.

Thanksgiving: Thank You for giving my life purpose.

Supplication: Help me trust Your perspective every day.

In Jesus’ name, Amen

“Make Room” by I AM THEY (ft. Cheyenne Mitchell)

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Thanks for letting us be a part of how you start your day with God.

See you tomorrow,

Zach | Start With God