Discovering Beauty in the Mist

Hello, Beautiful Souls.

I’ve always been drawn to Ecclesiastes. Maybe it’s the closet philosopher in me, or the poet, or even the teacher—but something about this book has always resonated deeply with my soul. Its reflections on life, the “vanity of vanities,” and the idea that “there is nothing new under the sun” have always felt like they spoke directly to the rhythms of my own thoughts.

And yet, I had never fully committed to reading Ecclesiastes until now. Through Lydia Brownback’s devotional, Flourish: Ecclesiastes, I finally took the plunge into this beautiful book of prose, and it’s been a journey of discovery. What I found is that Ecclesiastes isn’t just a reflection on life’s brevity; it’s a call to live wisely, worship sincerely, and rest in the beauty of God’s eternal plan.

The Search for Satisfaction

We all long for joy and fulfillment, but Ecclesiastes reveals the vanity of chasing these through earthly pursuits. In Chapter 2, the Preacher recounts his search for satisfaction through pleasure, possessions, and accomplishments—only to find them empty when sought for selfish gain.

Lydia’s devotional highlights how easily we can misuse God’s good gifts by turning them into idols. Whether it’s our work, relationships, or even ministry, anything we pursue apart from God can never truly satisfy. The contrast between "light and dark" in this chapter serves as a powerful reminder: wisdom shines a light on life’s purpose, while folly leads us into shadows of discontent.

The challenge for us is to examine what captivates our hearts. Are we seeking contentment in Christ, or are we striving after the wind?

Worship, Words, and Wealth

Chapter 5 of Ecclesiastes shifts our focus to worship and the posture of our hearts before God. Lydia explores the danger of making hasty vows or going through the motions of worship without sincerity. The Preacher reminds us that God desires humility and a heart aligned with His truth—not empty words or grand gestures.

This chapter also speaks to the futility of wealth. Ecclesiastes 5:10 warns, "He who loves money will not be satisfied with money." Lydia’s reflections remind us that true contentment comes not from accumulation but from recognizing life’s blessings as gifts from God. The sweet sleep of a humble laborer, compared to the restless nights of the wealthy, paints a vivid picture of the peace found in trusting God over material security.

The Beauty of Wisdom

By the time we reach Chapter 8, Ecclesiastes offers a more hopeful vision: the beauty of wisdom. Lydia captures the transformative power of biblical wisdom, which not only changes how we think but also how we live. Wisdom radiates outward, softening our demeanor and filling our lives with peace and joy.

One of the more challenging topics in this chapter is the Preacher’s reflection on earthly authorities. While rulers may falter and justice may seem delayed, Lydia encourages us to remember that God’s sovereignty overrules all. This realization brings comfort and reinforces the importance of living in humble reliance on Him.

Finally, Chapter 8 invites us to embrace joy—even in life’s uncertainties. As Lydia so beautifully puts it, trusting God’s mysteries and resting in His eternal plan allows us to experience true contentment.

Living the Lessons of Ecclesiastes

The journey through Flourish: Ecclesiastes is a call to re-center our hearts and lives on God. It challenges us to let go of striving and to find satisfaction, peace, and wisdom in Him alone. Whether through the joy of daily blessings or the beauty of biblical wisdom, Ecclesiastes reminds us that everything has a purpose when rooted in God’s plan.

If you’ve ever wondered how to live well in a chaotic and fleeting world, this devotional is for you. It’s a guide not just for understanding Ecclesiastes, but for flourishing in every season of life.

If you want a more in-depth study, see my video review below. You can find more information on the Ecclesiastes Devotional on Crossway, and purchase it on ChristianBooks and Amazon.

Disclaimer: This book was provided to Rebecca free of charge in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are her own.