July 4

Ecclesiastes 4–6 paints a sobering picture of life’s struggles—oppression, envy, loneliness, and the futility of wealth. The Teacher observes people chasing after success, building empires, and accumulating riches only to leave them behind. Over and over, he uses the phrase “a chasing after the wind.” The message is clear: without God, even the best parts of life will leave us empty.

But nestled within the reflection is a small, powerful truth: “Two are better than one… A cord of three strands is not quickly broken” (Ecclesiastes 4:9,12). Life under the sun is hard, but we were never meant to walk it alone. We need others—and most of all, we need God woven into every part of our lives.

Psalm 125 gives us a strong contrast to the shifting, unpredictable nature of the world: “Those who trust in the Lord are like Mount Zion, which cannot be shaken but endures forever” (v.1). While the world chases after wind, the people of God are invited to stand like mountains—secure, unshaken, and deeply rooted.

In 2 Timothy 2, Paul urges Timothy to endure hardship like a soldier, compete like an athlete, and work faithfully like a farmer. Each image calls us to a life of disciplined, purposeful faith. He reminds Timothy (and us) that God’s foundation stands firm, and those who build their lives on Christ must turn away from empty pursuits and live as vessels of honor (v.19–21).

These three passages together teach us a valuable lesson: a meaningful life isn’t built on what we gain, but on who we serve and how we endure. Life may be full of shifting seasons, but the one who trusts in the Lord will not be moved.

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