Ecclesiastes 2:17-26
Out of control
Stressed out
Tired
Under pressure
“Margin less living.”
Most of us know what to do about it, but fail to act on what we know.
Material possessions are given to comfort us, not control us.
How do you enjoy life with balance?
#1. The View.
Ecclesiastes 2:17 (NIV) “So I hated life because the work that is done under the sun was grievous to me. All of it is meaningless, a chasing after the wind.”
Ecclesiastes 2:17 (The Message) “Then I took a good look at everything I’d done, looked at all the sweat and hard work. But when I looked, I saw nothing but smoke. Smoke and spitting into the wind. There was nothing to any of it. Nothing.”
“What’s the use?”
Philippians 4:4-7 (NIV) “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
#2. The Evaluation.
Ecclesiastes 2:18, 19 (NIV) “I hated all the things I had toiled for under the sun, because I must leave them to the one who comes after me. And who knows whether he will be a wise man or a fool? Yet he will have control over all the work into which I have poured my effort and skill under the sun. This too is meaningless.”
Why can’t I be wise now?
Examine your obligations.
Examine your expectations.
1. Faith.
Matthew 6:33 (The Message) “Steep your life in God-reality; God-initiative, God-provisions. Don’t worry about missing out. You’ll find all your everyday human concerns will be met.”
2. Finances – Tithe .
Live within your means.
Educate yourself with good financial teaching.
3. Family.
Train them.
Bless them.
Love them.
Invest in them.
4. Fitness.
5. Fun.
What are your expectations?
The key is not to prioritize what's on your schedule, but to schedule your priorities.
Living in the light of eternity changes your priorities.
#3. The Beauty.
It’s not perfection but it is fulfilling and brings pleasure to God, you, and others.
Evaluate your obligations and align them with your expectations.
Residue from the past
Your life today is the harvest of what you planted before.
If you are now sowing good seed, you'll eventually reap a good harvest.
Get on the right path, and stay there until the harvest comes in.