Chasing a Carrot on a Stick

What are you chasing? A bigger paycheck, a better title, or a new relationship? The world tells us that satisfaction is just one step away—if we can grab the next carrot, we’ll finally be happy. But Ecclesiastes 6:7–9 tells a very different story. Solomon, the wealthiest and wisest king of his day, warns that you can have a full life on the outside while remaining desperately empty inside.

In this episode of Wisdom for the Heart, Stephen Davey walks us through Solomon’s three warnings: a busy life does not equal a fulfilled heart, improving your station does not guarantee true success, and there will always be something else just out of reach. Chasing after “more” not only distracts us from what matters most, it blinds us to the blessings God has already given.

The answer isn’t to stop working hard or dreaming big. Instead, it’s to anchor our joy in Christ rather than in our achievements. Only when we see life as a gift from God and find our meaning in Him will we stop chasing carrots that never satisfy.

If you’ve ever felt restless, disappointed, or unsatisfied no matter what you accomplish, this message is for you. Discover how to trade distraction for peace and emptiness for purpose—by finding contentment in Christ alone.

Stephen Davey's newest book, The Disciples Prayer, is available now. https://www.wisdomonline.org/store/view/the-disciples-prayer-hardback