Chasing Contentment

Ecclesiastes 4:13-16 NASB
13 A poor yet wise lad is better than an old and foolish king who no longer knows how to receive instruction. 14 For he has come out of prison to become king, even though he was born poor in his kingdom. 15 I have seen all the living under the sun throng to the side of the second lad who replaces him. 16 There is no end to all the people, to all who were before them, and even the ones who will come later will not be happy with him, for this too is vanity and striving after wind.

No matter what we have, we are never content. Even the Christmas gifts we've just received, won't make us happy for long. Think of the child who received a certain toy after begging for months, only to end up playing make believe with the box Christmas afternoon.

Or, those who feel the need to upgrade an expensive cell phone because the latest and greatest version has just been released.

Most of our discontentment occurs because we listen to others. Friends brag about a recent purchase of Facebook. Advertisers prey on our emotions and personal inadequacies. Professional athletes encourage us to purchase whatever they are hawking with claims we will be great. Even a compliment by a sales associate can make a person purchase clothing, or shoes. Often, we don't need these items, but the purchase fills an emotional hole.

Many addictions are fueled by discontentment. Those chasing that "next high," are often trying to forget why they aren't content.

So what will help us find contentment? First, we need to study God's word, and pray. Only He can settle our heart and help us see the important things in life. Next, help others. By helping others, we discover what is truly important in life. Lastly, we should stop listening to what others tell us we need, and soul search what our needs actually are.



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