Daily Devotion — Ecclesiastes 1 — The Elusive Pursuit of Happiness

Is there really anything new under the sun?

As a nation, we (US) Americans thrive on what’s new. It seems to be the engine of our economy, and the goal of our pursuit of happiness. Businesses and social networks are dedicated to helping us pursue the elusive pursuit of happiness.

Commercials tout the latest and greatest clothing style, car, or big-meal-deal that we must go out and buy.

I mean, how can we live without such things?

With all we have, shouldn’t we be happy?

And yet, more people than ever are medicated for depression and anxiety, while suicide rates soar. Our collective pursuit of happiness is an elusive, never-ending effort, which leaves most people empty-handed.

Also, the news media wait like vultures for the latest tragedy, disaster, or terrorist attack, then flood us with repeated images and sound bytes. The inundation of the news media and social media tends to leave us overwhelmed and numb.

And yet, all of this is nothing new. Ancient wisdom tells us this.

Could it be we are looking for the wrong kind of happiness, in the wrong places, and in the wrong way?

Insights