Surprise!!

The sun rises and the sun sets, then hurries around to rise again. The wind blows south, and then turns north. Around and around it goes, blowing in circles. Rivers run into the sea, but the sea is never full. Then the water returns again to the rivers and flows out again to the sea. Everything is wearisome beyond description. No matter how much we see, we are never satisfied. No matter how much we hear, we are not content.

Ecclesiastes 1:5-8 

 

The first time I tried to read the book of Ecclesiastes, I found it to be depressing!  The author opens with the words: "Pointlessness! Pointlessness!" which are not exactly encouraging words to begin a message of hope.  In fact, that's not the way to begin anything you want people to desire to read.  Yet, there it is.

 

After many times of trying to read this book without becoming depressed, and failing each time, a professor I had changed my perspective when she said, "If there's nothing new under the sun then that means NOTHING SURPRISES GOD!"  Well now...that is indeed a good point!  No matter our struggles; no matter our situations; no matter what we are enduring, GOD is not surprised!

 

Now, having said that, it is WE who become bored with it all and constantly seek out new ways to entertain ourselves, improve ourselves, get more, have more, look better, and the desire for more and better never seems to satisfy. We become dissatisfied with our clothing, so we go buy the latest fashion.  We become bored with our transportation, so we get a new car.  We feel cramped, so we buy a bigger house.  We don't feel appreciated, so we find another mate.  We never seem to be satisfied.

 

Yet, God never changes, but He can change US!  The Apostle Paul wrote, "I know what it is to have much and I know what it is to have nothing.  Regardless of my state, I have learned to be content."  Paul depended on God to provide for his NEEDS. And so should we.  

 

There really isn't anything new under the sun, but everything is new under God's Son!