Empty without Eternity

by Pua Palakiko on June 06, 2026

SCRIPTURE:

“All things are wearisome, more than one can say. The eye never has enough of seeing, nor the ear its fill of hearing. What has been will be again, what has been done will be done again; there is nothing new under the sun. Is there anything of which one can say, “Look! This is something new”? It was here already, long ago; it was here before our time. No one remembers the former generations, and even those yet to come will not be remembered by those who follow them.”

Ecclesiastes‬ ‭1‬:‭8‬-‭11‬

 

OBSERVATION:

What a description of a deep restlessness of humanity. The eye is never satisfied with seeing, and the ear is never full from hearing. Everything in life seems to repeat, what’s been done is done again, and nothing truly feels new. I take a look at this generation now, everything we did or fashion I grew up with is now considered cool. lol But even the memory of people and events fades with time. It paints a picture of how limited and fleeting our lives are without something greater to hold on to.

APPLICATION:

This makes me reflect on how often I chase after things hoping they’ll bring satisfaction a new trend, a new goal, a new experience. But after a while, even those things lose their shine. It reminds me that no created thing can satisfy my soul. I’m even starting to look at all the things I have and I’m like “I don’t need that anymore.” It seems I just want to simply live less materialistically. Honestly, I look forward to the future of others. Sure I want to travel and live a quiet holy life, but to pour out into others is something I can’t help but do. 
God wants me to realize that life apart from Him is empty and repetitive. I can chase after experiences, achievements, and even “new” things, but they will never fully satisfy my soul. The endless cycle of life, the weariness, the forgetting, the striving points me to a greater truth: i am made for more than this world can offer. God wants me to see that only He brings true meaning. The “nothing new under the sun” reminds me that I don’t need something beyond the sun, I need Him! In a world that constantly moves and forgets, God never changes. He offers me rest, purpose, and eternal hope. This is an invitation to stop chasing shadows and start seeking the source of life itself. Only God can fill the longing in my heart.

PRAYER:

God, I confess that I often search for meaning in things that don’t last. My heart gets tired from chasing after what the world offers. The only source in life I need is you. Teach me lord,to put heavens price on my decisions, on rewards and relationships. If it doesn’t touch your heart then blind me from the luring of it. Thank you lord this life you have given me. 

About the Author

Pua Palakiko

Pastor Pua-kiele Palakiko has been with New Hope Oahu since 2007. In the summer of 2008 during a youth camp, God called her  into Full Time Ministry and Pua began serving as a Youth Leader in the Youth Ministry. She is now on staff as the Equipping Pastor, overseeing leaders of our  Youth + Young Adults Ministries and our Children’s Ark Ministry. She oversees our Emerge Internship and has the honor to train, build and equip future church leaders. She is also a gifted speaker and worship leader.


Pua has a Bachelor’s Degree in Christian Ministries and a Master’s Degree in Formational Leadership. She is humbled and honored to have the privilege to see God's people “Discover, Develop and be Deployed in their God giving gifts.”

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