“And now, O Israel, what does the LORD your God ask of you but to fear the LORD your God, to walk in all his ways, to love him, to serve the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul” (Dueteronomy 10:12)
“Dear friends, let's cleanse ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit by becoming mature in our holy fear of God.” (2 Corinthians 7:1)
Ecclesiastes is a sobering book, but I think it's an important one as we try to navigate our way through life.
We have the opportunities to pursue the same hollow gods Solomon followed for a time. Money, sex, power, fame - we can try them all if we want to.
There are plenty of pessimistic world views we can embrace during the times we feel that "all is vanity." I've been there. I know what it's like to struggle to see meaning and purpose in them midst of pain and disillusionment.
"Fear and reverence God," said Solomon. "Let God’s commandments guide you through life. That’s the secret to life."