Can Life have purpose? Does Ecclesiastes help?

I am amazed at how relevant the book of Ecclesiastes is for the 21st century. The book is set in the wisdom literature of the Bible. It may be that Solomon wrote Song of Songs when he was young (and about to marry his first wife, and prior to his marrying the 699 other wives). Proverbs may have been written throughout his life and finally Ecclesiastes written to his sons and closer to the end of his life. I guess one could say that The Song looks at life with the cup full, Proverbs with the cup half full, and Ecclesiastes with the cup at least half empty.
Ecclesiastes loses some of its mystery when one notices a couple of repeated and emphasized ideas. 27 times the phrase 'under the sun' (meaning more or less 'without considering God') is repeated in Ecclesiastes. The phrase is used no where else in the Bible. 15 times the idea of God giving something to man is used. The point is that only by honoring God and pursuing His wisdom will one be able to overcome the incredible emptiness that consumes life in this world (or 'under the sun'). When reading Ecclesiastes one must consider from what viewpoint the author is speaking. Obviously, the author can write some pretty outrageous things if he writes from the 'under the sun' view. Regularly, the author evaluates his experience and philosophy beyond the horizon. In fact, the author will quickly (chapter three) point to the wisdom and common sense of submitting to God's authority, and working with an attitude that God is good and in control. The only place we find "a handful of rest" (Ecclesiastes 4.6) in this empty world is with at least a glimpse beyond the horizon. ( footnote: Derek Kidner and Michael Eaton (not Keaton, silly!) provided me huge insight into Ecclesiastes)

Take a Walk on Water

I was looking at Matthew 14.22-33. Jesus sends off the disciples in a boat, He goes to pray and then decides to catch up later on foot. The disciples, experienced fishermen, are facing contrary winds and waves. Then Jesus appears, walking on the water, as if to just pass by. The disciples go bananas with fear at seeing what they think is a ghost on the water. It is important to keep in mind a 1st century view of ghosts. Ghosts have one purpose in the 1st century, to take someone with them to the place of the dead. The disciples thought that Jesus was literally the angel of death. Jesus introduces Himself and calls on them to not be afraid. Peter, and I cannot imagine why, says, "If you are Jesus, command me to come to you." Ummm, does he have a clue that if it is the angel of death the ghost may lie? Well, Jesus says, "Sure, come." Peter initiates his relatively short walk on water. Though short I like that walk. The critics will always say that following the principles of the Bible will limit your options and even take away your fun. This text seems to show that following Jesus provides virtually unlimited options. Who would have thought you could step out of the boat in the middle of the sea and take a walk?

What is "fear of God"

In response to comment of E. Peevie. Oddly, there are about 12 words in Hebrew that are translated 'fear' in the NASB. The two major words in Hebrew translated 'fear' are both used of the fear of God. It is sort of a 'good grief!' moment that the fear of God is not more narrowly defined. Personally, I like the idea that the fear of God is an awesome respect and reverence for God. I am sure that is primarily what the fear of God is for one who has an actual relationship with God. I also like the idea that once I have a "fear" of God it can regularly be diminished and ultimately be set aside because "There is no fear in love. Perfect love casts out fear. " Obviously, no person has a perfect love, but I am thinking that those who enter Christ's kingdom will have an eternity without any fear.

Overcoming FEAR

Have just studied fear for over a week. Interviewed 4 people on subject. Now I have more questions than answers. What I know: fear is an emotion that affects all of us motivating us toward faith, fight, flight, or freeze. Fear pushes us to develop behavioral responses that can become habits. We generally minimize or exaggerate fear, and therefore respond with some inappropriateness to reality. The Bible says that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. The most repeated command of the Bible is "Do not be afraid" or "Fear not." (42 times) What I am thinking about: How can I identify my own fears and their significance in my life? Is the love of the Lord the perfection (or end) of wisdom (1 John 4..."There is no fear in love. Perfect love casts out fear". I tend to minimize my fear of God. I think of Him as a loving Father rather than the scary person He could be. If I have a proper fear of God will that help put my other fears in perspective? Want to know how I can realistically evaluate my fears so that I respond to fear in a way that helps and does not hurt the enjoyment I have in life.