Now, Solomon is an old man. He looks out over his kingdom. He sees all the things that his hand has created. He sees the wealth of the castle. He thinks of his heirs who would inherit his kingdom and how they probably are fools (Ecclesiastes 2:18 , I Kings 12:14).

And this causes Solomon to reflect about the vacuum in his life. He begins the book of Ecclesiastes with this statement: "Vanity of vanities, says the Preacher, vanity of vanities! All is vanity" (Ecclesiastes 1:2). Here, the word "vanity" means "emptiness." Life is empty. Life is a vacuum, says Solomon.

What is it that compelled Solomon to make such as negative statement? He set life goals but forgot to keep God number one in his life.

Many have this experience. We arrive tragically at a point in our lives (where we thought we wanted to be) and find that it does not satisfy. And we look out over what we have done and say (with Solomon): "It is empty. It is a vacuum. It is vanity of vanities."

What is it that fills that vacuum? What makes life worthwhile? Solomon finally came to his conclusion. It was almost too late for him — but it finally dawned on that wise old man what made life worthwhile. "The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments; for this is the whole duty of man" (Ecclesiastes 12:13).

Or put it in even plainer terms that this old country boy can understand: "We are fulfilled when we are right with God!" Are you right with God?