The word Paul uses for frustration is the Greek word that is used in the Septuagint (the ancient Greek translation of the Old Testament) for the word meaningless, the word used most often in Ecclesiastes. In some English versions, this word is translated “vanity” or “futility.” Paul’s indirect allusion to Ecclesiastes in the Romans 8 passage reflects his awareness that God deliberately imposes frustrations on us. He has made sure nothing in life will work in a way that allows humankind to think they are back home in Eden.

Noah experiences that reality. Though he basically feels that he rules his own life, he still has a few moments when he feels the sting of inner uncertainty. On the one hand, he hates to be the expert—that means accepting the pressure to perform flawlessly. On the other hand, he hates to be a mere mortal, a regular guy—that usually means living without praise or respect.

For the most part, Noah simply ignores an internal agitation that might signal a lack of control. When disruptions rise, he takes active steps to adjust to them and regain control. When traffic slows, he changes lanes. When the junior member of the firm takes his parking spot, he uses the situation to gain even greater control of the employee.

But even when we spend lots of energy wresting control from chaos, God will not let us achieve what would block us from himself. He actively orchestrates life so that we are continually presented with minor and major disruptions—and reminded that we are not in control. Noah experienced that too. The towing of his car reminds him that life is not tamable. God has rigged the world so that Noah’s false sense of security will be exposed and his presumption of being able to control even the automotive aspect of his life will be upended.

Unfortunately, Christians often ignore God’s disruptions, attributing them either to Satan’s assault or just to the way life is. We too quickly mask our frustration, saying something like, “Well, I may not know what is going on, but at least God does!”

We assume God will take care of those who pursue him. We find ourselves attracted to sayings like “the LORD does not let the righteous go hungry” (Proverbs 10:3 NIV) rather than to sad—but accurate—observation like the Teacher’s:

The fastest runner doesn’t always win the race, and the strongest warrior doesn’t always win the battle. . . . People can never predict when hard times might come. Like fish in a net or birds in a trap, people are caught by sudden tragedy. (Ecclesiastes 9:11-12)

The Teacher does not even find comfort in the idea of an afterlife where God puts everything right. As he looks into the future, he cries out:

This, too, I carefully explored: Even though the actions of godly and wise people are in God’s hands, no one knows whether God will show them favor. The same destiny ultimately awaits everyone, whether righteous or wicked, good or bad, ceremonially clean or unclean, religious or irreligious. Good people receive the same treatment as sinners, and people who make promises to God are treated like people who don’t. (9:1-2)