It's a book of dark clouds, mixed with moments of sunshine. It's a book of hope, mixed with elements of despair. It's a book of pointlessness, mixed with purpose. In this book we see the back-and-forth of a person struggling with a relationship with God.
Ever find yourself there? Yeah...me too. I often feel like the Apostle Paul, who once penned these pertinent words:
"I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do." - Romans 7:15
The theme of our study will be: "Dead Ends - Life Pursuits Without God." To begin this journey we'll consider the major themes of the book. We will then look at the text chapter-by-chapter, and we'll see those themes developed as we move through it.
The book has a positive conclusion, though I must admit it's not as strongly stated as one would think. And I've often felt the concluding words are a reflection of the book as a whole. But in order to get to that conclusion, we'll have to wade through a mixed-bag of thoughts that will take us on a roller coaster ride of spiritual emotions. Around every corner is an element of surprise. And right when you think the author has it all figured out, there comes yet another detour...
Whet your appetite? I'm excited... And I'm looking forward to our study of finding meaning in a world of meaninglessness...
