All philosophies however profound boil down to three essences: love, faith and hope. Interestingly the three wisdom books in the Bible deal with these: Ecclesiastes, Song of Solomon, and Job.
1) Ecclesiastes: This book provides insights, how human life without faith is vanity, futility, pointlessness, purposelessness, and meaninglessness. In fact, Ecclesiastes concludes: “Remember also your creator in the days of your youth.” (Ecclesiastes 12:1) Pursuing wisdom or wealth or pleasure or service or religion could be attractive in the youthful years. But without knowing the creator, life would end with desperation and hopelessness. So, faith in God is the foundation of human life in this world. Sadly, philosophers believe in ‘nihilism’ which means ‘nothingness’. Without neither the light of truth nor relationship with the creator there will be only vanity or myth or maya.
2) Job: In the imperfect world, dwelt by fallen humanity there will be suffering. Humans are born for trouble or tribulation or suffering. (Job 5:6,7) Job lost almost everything in life, including his health, the only thing he can hang on to was hope. Evil is temporary. Suffering for believers is temporary and could endure as the glory promises are not comparable. (II Corinthians 4:17; Romans 8:18-23)
3) Song of Solomon: Love provides meaning for life, and is considered the ultimate thing in the world. Only when Job sees Lord’s face, hears His words, he is filled with joy and hope. His life after suffering is filled with God’s love and rejoicing. Love is always a celebration. God’s love makes a heart overflow with joy. God’s love accepts, cleanses and transforms sinners, that generates new songs in the hearts of the believers.
Faith is the foundation of life, hope provides purpose of life, love provides meaning for life. Faith in the creator God; hope in his purpose, plan, promises and will; offers meaning for life. Paul wonderfully captures the truth: “So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love.” (I Corinthians 13:13)
Do I love God that forms the basis for my faith and hope?