We fight to extend our lives—better health, more wealth, more years. But what if a longer life without joy is actually worse?

Welcome to The Daily. We go through the bible verse-by-verse, chapter-by-chapter, every single day.

Our text today is Ecclesiastes 6:3-6.

If a man fathers a hundred children and lives many years, so that the days of his years are many, but his soul is not satisfied with life's good things, and he also has no burial, I say that a stillborn child is better off than he. For it comes in vanity and goes in darkness, and in darkness its name is covered. Moreover, it has not seen the sun or known anything, yet it finds rest rather than he. Even though he should live a thousand years twice over, yet enjoy no good—do not all go to the one place? — Ecclesiastes 6:3-6

We often believe that more time, more success, and more family will bring us fulfillment. Solomon shatters that illusion. He paints a sobering picture: a man with everything—countless children, a long life—yet no satisfaction.

And then, he makes a shocking comparison. He says a stillborn child is better off. Why? Because that child never experiences the emptiness of a life filled with years but void of joy.

This is a brutal but necessary wake-up call. Life is not measured by how long we live or what we accumulate—it’s measured by whether we truly enjoy the good God gives us. You could have everything the world offers, yet if your soul is restless and unsatisfied, what’s the point?

First, seek joy in God, not in things. If possessions or experiences could satisfy, Solomon—who had everything—wouldn’t call life “vanity.” True joy is found in God alone.

Second, stop postponing joy. Don’t wait for some future achievement to bring contentment. Joy is found today, in the presence of Christ.

#TrueJoy, #EcclesiastesWisdom, #FindingSatisfaction

ASK THIS:

1. What worldly things do you tend to seek satisfaction in, and why do they fall short?
2. How does Solomon’s comparison to a stillborn child challenge your view of success?
3. What are small ways you can embrace joy in Christ today instead of postponing it?
4. How can you remind yourself daily that joy is found in God alone?

DO THIS:

Ask yourself: Am I seeking joy in God or in things? Shift your focus to Him in prayer and gratitude.

PRAY THIS:

Lord, help me to find my satisfaction in You, not in the things of this world. Teach me to embrace the joy You offer today. Amen.

PLAY THIS:

Stand In Your Love.