Secret to Contentment

Sermon Notes

It seems like the more we GET the less we ENJOY. 

[Ecclesiastes 6:9] Enjoy what you have rather than desiring what you don't have. Just dreaming about nice things is meaningless--like chasing the wind.

The gift isn't in the MORE; it's in the MOMENT.

[Ecclesiastes 5:18-20] Even so, I have noticed one thing, at least, that is good. It is good for people to eat, drink, and enjoy their work under the sun during the short life God has given them, and to accept their lot in life. [19] And it is a good thing to receive wealth from God and the good health to enjoy it. To enjoy your work and accept your lot in life--this is indeed a gift from God. [20] God keeps such people so busy enjoying life that they take no time to brood over the past.

If I’m not satisfied with what I HAVE I’ll never be satisfied with what I WANT.

Contentment isn't found in SELF-sufficiency but in GOD-sufficiency.

[Matthew 20:8-12] "That evening he told the foreman to call the workers in and pay them, beginning with the last workers first. [9] When those hired at five o'clock were paid, each received a full day's wage. [10] When those hired first came to get their pay, they assumed they would receive more. But they, too, were paid a day's wage. [11] When they received their pay, they protested to the owner, [12] 'Those people worked only one hour, and yet you've paid them just as much as you paid us who worked all day in the scorching heat.'

The secret to combat discontent is GRATITUDE.

[Philippians 4:11-13] Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. [12] I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. [13] For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.

Contentment isn't found in what you HAVE it is found in JESUS alone.

[Ecclesiastes 6:6-9] He might live a thousand years twice over but still not find contentment. And since he must die like everyone else--well, what's the use? [7] All people spend their lives scratching for food, but they never seem to have enough. [8] So are wise people really better off than fools? Do poor people gain anything by being wise and knowing how to act in front of others? [9] Enjoy what you have rather than desiring what you don't have. Just dreaming about nice things is meaningless--like chasing the wind.