Chasing the Wind

“My mind has observed a wealth of wisdom and knowledge. And I set my mind to know wisdom and to know madness and folly; I realized that this also is striving after wind.”—Ecclesiastes 1:16–17 NASB

Known as a brilliant philosopher, Thomas Hobbes concluded that most people were motivated by “a perpetual and restless desire for power.” Born in 1588 in England, he came to distrust democracy.

Convinced by his conclusions, he believed that society needed strong leadership. His ideas helped shape the political culture of his time. They have continued to be influential in the realms of politics, the military, education, and business throughout the past four centuries.

Instead of looking to God, he believed that every person was his own judge. He felt that “good and evil are names that signify our appetites and aversions.”

Throughout history, many have been like Hobbes, confident in themselves and trusting their conclusions. Like Hobbes, many have thought that strong leaders are necessary to solve the world’s problems.

Like the preacher in Ecclesiastes saw, many think they can find satisfaction through the pursuit of power. But the Bible warns that all human effort is merely chasing the wind. Only God can provide lasting satisfaction and meaning. And only He can provide solutions.

Don’t waste your life chasing the wind or trusting the passing things of this world. Only God can give you true fulfillment and joy. Only He can provide lasting peace and the answers you need. Trust in Him. Spend your life seeking to please Him.

Reflection Question: Examine your life for things that are chasing after the wind.