What Makes You Happy?

Q: What makes you happy? Q: What used to make you happy? Q: What would make you happy if you could have it no? Things Solomon tried to find happiness, self-esteem 1. Learning Ecclesiastes 1:12-13,16 12 I, the Teacher, was king over Israel in Jerusalem. 13 I devoted myself to study and to explore by wisdom all that is done under heaven. What a heavy burden God has laid on men! 16 I thought to myself, "Look, I have grown and increased in wisdom more than anyone who has ruled over Jerusalem before me; I have experienced much of wisdom and knowledge." Q: Share a time when you felt learning a business method or trade was the answer to happiness? Q: What was the result? “Education” Ecclesiastes 1:17-18 17 Then I applied myself to the understanding of wisdom, and also of madness and folly, but I learned that this, too, is a chasing after the wind. 18 For with much wisdom comes much sorrow; the more knowledge, the more grief. The more you know, the more you see you don’t or you are too proud to admit it. 2. Luxury Ecclesiastes 2:4-10 4 I undertook great projects: I built houses for myself and planted vineyards. 5 I made gardens and parks and planted all kinds of fruit trees in them. 6 I made reservoirs to water groves of flourishing trees. 7 I bought male and female slaves and had other slaves who were born in my house. I also owned more herds and flocks than anyone in Jerusalem before me. 8 I amassed silver and gold for myself, and the treasure of kings and provinces. I acquired men and women singers, and a harem as well--the delights of the heart of man. 9 I became greater by far than anyone in Jerusalem before me. In all this my wisdom stayed with me. 10 I denied myself nothing my eyes desired; I refused my heart no pleasure. My heart took delight in all my work, and this was the reward for all my labor. Q: How do you feel a day later? A week? A month? A year? A new car may warm your heart but it won’t change it! Chasing after wind 3. Liquor Ecclesiastes 2:3 I tried cheering myself with wine, and embracing folly--my mind still guiding me with wisdom. I wanted to see what was worthwhile for men to do under heaven during the few days of their lives. Q: What does one glass of wine do for you? Warms your tummy, enhances some food Q: What does too much do? Turns Joe Cool into Jeo Fool or Joe Crazy or Joe Lazy It destroys lives and relationships Proverbs 23:29-32 29 Who has woe? Who has sorrow? Who has strife? Who has complaints? Who has needless bruises? Who has bloodshot eyes? 30 Those who linger over wine, who go to sample bowls of mixed wine. 31 Do not gaze at wine when it is red, when it sparkles in the cup, when it goes down smoothly! 32 In the end it bites like a snake and poisons like a viper. There are 15 million “known” alcoholics in the U.S. And we call it “fun” 4. Lust Ecclesiastes 2:8-10 8 I amassed silver and gold for myself, and the treasure of kings and provinces. I acquired men and women singers, and a harem as well--the delights of the heart of man. 9 I became greater by far than anyone in Jerusalem before me. In all this my wisdom stayed with me. 10 I denied myself nothing my eyes desired; I refused my heart no pleasure. My heart took delight in all my work, and this was the reward for all my labor. 1 Kings 11:3 He had seven hundred wives of royal birth and three hundred concubines, and his wives led him astray. 700 wives, 300 in harem, 700 in-laws Q: What does lust do to a person? To a marriage? Pornography, rapes, murder, child molesting etc. Conclusion 5. Lord Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 13 Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. 14 For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil. Matthew 22:37-40 37 Jesus replied: "'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' 40 All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments." Love God with everything. Philippians 4:12-13 12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13 I can do everything through him who gives me strength. God is the solution.