Many people today spend their lives in a desperate search for happiness, for pleasure, for fun.  Many people in our society are simply bored. They mope around, fantasizing about some secret joy that lies out there somewhere.

“I’m looking for adventure, excitement, and beautiful women,” said the young man to his father as he was leaving home. “And don’t try to stop me!”

“Who wants to stop you?” said his father. “I’m going with you!”

The ironic thing about seeking such pleasure, however, is how little joy it really brings.  In fact those who seek it hardest are often among the unhappiest of people.

If you want an example of this, turn to the first two chapters of Ecclesiastes. In these chapters Solomon, a man celebrated for his wisdom, tells of his search to find happiness.  The first wo…