Episode 2: Fulfillment Beyond Worldly Achievements

Eric Marquette

Thank you for joining me for the 2nd episode of our 'Restore My Soul' series. Let’s start with a story of one of the most fascinating figures in history: King Solomon. He was incredibly wealthy and wise—arguably the richest man of his time. And he didn't hold back. In Ecclesiastes 2:10-11, Solomon says, "I denied myself nothing my eyes desired; I refused my heart no pleasure." Can you imagine that? Anything he wanted—he simply took it or made it happen. Yet, despite indulging in every possible pleasure, his conclusion was this: it was meaningless. He called it a chasing after the wind.

Eric Marquette

Now, when I hear that phrase, "chasing after the wind," it feels almost poetic, doesn’t it? But it’s really an uncomfortable truth. It speaks to this endless pursuit of things we think will bring happiness or satisfaction, only to find they slip through our fingers. And let’s be honest, that hasn’t changed in all these centuries. Today, we might not have Solomon’s wealth, but we have our own versions of this chasing. Like scrolling on social media, hoping those likes and comments will somehow validate who we are. Or buying the latest gadget or car, thinking, for a moment, it makes us successful. But does it, really?

Eric Marquette

I’ll share something personal here. I remember one career milestone I worked toward for years. When I finally hit it, I thought I’d feel unstoppable, you know, like I had made it. I celebrated, of course, but afterward—well, there was this strange kind of emptiness I didn’t expect. It forced me to ask myself, "Is this it? What now?" And Solomon’s words came to mind. Everything is meaningless, a chasing after the wind.

Eric Marquette

So, let’s dig into this idea a little more. Today, we live in what some people call a “hustle culture.” You know, that constant grind to do more, have more, and achieve more. It’s like this unspoken rule: if you’re not busy, then are you even trying? But here’s the thing—does all that busyness actually lead to joy or peace? Or does it leave us emotionally drained, like we’re just spinning in circles?

Eric Marquette

I mean, Solomon captures this so perfectly. He says, "My heart took delight in all my labor." And that sounds good, right? Delighting in your work. But then he adds that it was all meaningless, temporary. And doesn’t that hit close to home, especially now? We’re constantly encouraged to tie our identity to what we achieve—our careers, our side hustles, even the number of goals we smash through. But when we do, when we hit those milestones, how long does that satisfaction last? Days? Minutes?

Eric Marquette

Let me share a quick story about a friend. She realized that scrolling on social media—all those likes, follows, and curated pictures—was pulling her deeper into a sense of emptiness. So, she did something bold. She limited her social media use to just 15 minutes a day. And instead of scrolling, she started investing that time into meeting people face-to-face, developing deeper, offline connections. And you know what? She told me it’s like a veil lifted. That endless cycle of comparison and validation suddenly lost its grip.

Eric Marquette

And honestly, that brings up a question we all need to ask ourselves: What "winds" are we chasing? Is it likes, promotions, the perfect image of success? And more importantly, are those pursuits recharging us, or do they leave us feeling hollow? Because Solomon, with all his wisdom, shows us that no amount of striving—for pleasure, achievement, or recognition—can fill that deeper need in our souls.

Eric Marquette

So, let’s talk about contentment. We’ve explored the emptiness of worldly pursuits, but how do we shift our focus away from them and toward something everlasting? Well, it begins with recognizing what truly satisfies. And here’s where gratitude and prayer come in—they’re not just nice spiritual practices; they’re transformative. When we pause each day to thank God for the simple, eternal gifts we’ve already received, something changes. Our perspective shifts away from what we lack to the abundance we have in Him.

Eric Marquette

I’ve heard many inspiring stories, but let me share one about a man named Chris. Chris was an executive climbing the ladder of corporate success—big paychecks, fancy titles, the whole deal. But, deep down, he felt restless. He didn’t know why. Eventually, he attended a men’s spiritual retreat—and during a quiet moment of prayer, he realized that his entire life had been about proving himself to others instead of serving God. That moment changed everything for Chris. He scaled back his work hours, started mentoring teens at his church, and found real fulfillment in pouring into others’ lives. He told me recently, "I used to wake up each morning thinking about my goals. Now, I wake up asking, ‘God, how can I glorify You today?’ It’s freeing."

Eric Marquette

And that’s the power of aligning with God’s eternal purpose. It frees us—from that constant pressure to achieve, to prove, to chase what Solomon calls the wind. When we make God’s kingdom our focus, the weight of worldly expectations starts to lift. It doesn’t mean we give up ambitions, but we reframe them. Instead of asking how our work can serve us, we ask how it can serve Him.

Eric Marquette

So, as we wrap up, let me leave you with this thought: What are the eternal purposes in your life? What steps can you take to realign your heart, your time, and your goals with those purposes? Whether it’s cultivating gratitude, re-evaluating your definition of success, or simply spending more time in prayer, each step brings you closer to the contentment and joy that only God can provide.

Eric Marquette

And on that note, we’ll end here for today. Thanks for joining me on this journey through Ecclesiastes and the search for lasting fulfillment. Remember, true satisfaction isn’t found in what’s under the sun—it’s found in what’s eternal. I’ll see you next time, and until then, take care and stay centered.