Finding Real Contentment

When we begin to answer this question of where to find real contentment let us hear from the wisest man who ever lived. King Solomon calls himself the preacher in the book of Ecclesiastes 1:1. We will look in chapter 2 for this study so open your bible and follow me as we walk through this chapter. In this chapter King Solomon recalls his attempt to find something on this earth that will bring lasting satisfaction, contentment and real value. If you could have anything you wanted to make you happy and bring you contentment what would you choose? King Solomon had the money and the wisdom to try it all. He sought mirth (gladness) by enjoying pleasure of all kinds but he concluded that this is vanity or emptiness. Then in verse 4 he tried wine to satisfy his flesh. Then he made great works like building himself many houses and planting vineyards, gardens, orchards, waterpools, had many servants, herds, flocks, silver, gold,singers, and musicians. So he became great and excelled more than all who were before him all the while his wisdom remained with him. In Chapter 2 verse 10 he said "Whatever my eyes desired I did not keep from them. I did not withhold my heart from any pleasure, for my heart rejoiced in all my labor; (verse11) Then I looked on all the works that my hands had done and indeed all was vanity (emptiness) and grasping for the wind. There was no profit under the sun." Then in the rest of that chapter he goes on and on about the things he tried and then he says in verse17-23 he said he hated life and all his labors and he despaired of all his attempts to find contentment. Then in verses 24-26 he sees that what good a man can enjoy down here comes from the hand of God. In verse 26 he says "For God gives wisdom and knowledge and joy to a man who is good in His sight; but to the sinner He gives the work of gathering and collecting, that he may give to him who is good before God. This is also vanity and grasping for the wind." So even gaining wealth is vanity and grasping for the wind without God. Go outside and try to grab a handful of wind and see the foolishness of trying to find real contentment on this earth apart from God. He says "God gives wisdom, knowledge, and joy." So even those who are of little biblical learning can easily see the truth. Don't get caught up in the things of this world because without God everything you attempt will end up useless and vain or in other words good for nothing. Everything is in the hand of God and the best thing you and I can do is get as close to Him as we can while we still have time and see if that does not solve the things we worry about. So let's practice "Casting all your care upon Him because He cares for you.(1 Peter 5:7) and "Seeking first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these other things will be added." (Matthew 6:33) Lets stop trying to straddle the fence. It will tear you apart and bring nothing but worries, cares, miseries and more trouble. We must learn John 10:10 "The thief does not come except to steal, kill, and destroy, I have come that they might have life and that they may have it more abundantly." Which do you choose, as for me and my house we will serve the Lord. To be good as was stated in verse 26 you must know Jesus as your personal Savior. You do that by admitting your sins to Jesus. Ask Him to forgive you and invite Him into your life. Believe that God raised Jesus from the dead and you shall be saved. Not maybe, not hope so, it is a certainty. Read the scriptures at the bottom of this page to help you understand. Then make your decision for Jesus known by being baptised in a church. Begin to attend that church and worship the Lord that saved you. Thank Him right now FOR SAVING YOU!