We have more than we have ever had as a society, yet discontentment has
never been more common. We have so much, yet feel so unsatisfied. We have more
than we’ve ever had and yet we are less content than we have ever been.
It seems like the more we get, the easier it is to feel like we are coming up short.
Why is it so hard to be content when we have so many amazing things in life?
Is it possible that the easier things get for us, the less content we become? Because now we expect life to be quick and convenient? And easy?
We are the least patient generation of all time because we have been trained to believe everything should be available to us at any time.
Why is it so easy to have so much and feel so discontent?
Why does it feel like never have enough?
What can I do to find more happiness in my daily life?
6 So be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you must endure many trials for a little while. [1 Peter 1:6]
The reason we don’t feel glad is because we focus on what we don’t have
by overlooking what we already do have.
What are you least happy about right now?
What are you not getting that you want?
In that same area, what do you already have that you can be glad and thankful for?
7 These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold – though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world.
13 So prepare your minds for action and exercise self-control. Put all your hope in the gracious salvation that will come to you when Jesus Christ is revealed to the world. 14 So you must live as God’s obedient children. Don’t slip back into your old ways of living to satisfy your own desires. You didn’t know any better then.
15 But now you must be holy in everything you do, just as God who chose you is holy. 16 For the Scriptures say, “You must be holy because I am holy.” [1 Peter 1:13-15]
Be different. Be the person who chooses gladness, even as things crumble. Because
God is still in control. Stay focused on him and exercise self-control.
_________________________________________________________
Application Questions
1. What stood out to you from this message and why?
2. What is one thing God is telling you to START doing because of this message?
3. What is one thing God is telling you to STOP doing because of this message?
4. How will this message change how you act at home, work and in the your relationships?