Living Full, Feeling Empty: What’s Blocking You from Enjoying God’s Blessings
Ecclesiastes 6-7
Over the next few weeks, we will be learning from the teachings of Solomon. Imagine him as a life coach who wants to help us live without regrets. He’s not flashy or motivational in the usual sense. But he’s been where you’re trying to go. He’s climbed every ladder, reached every goal, and experienced every kind of success the world has to offer. Now, with wisdom gained through both indulgence and disillusionment, Solomon sits us down—not to discourage us, but to guide us. Not to depress us, but to wake us up. This week, we will discuss how it’s possible to get what you want and still not enjoy it, and what to do about it.
- If you could talk to your younger self about happiness and contentment, what one piece of advice would you give? (Have fun with this—maybe tell stories about times you thought “once I get this, I’ll be happy” but then weren’t.)
- Solomon describes life “under the sun” as a perspective apart from God where meaning is tied to what we achieve, control, enjoy, and build for ourselves. Where do you see this perspective most prevalent in our culture today?
- Read Ecclesiastes 6:2. Solomon describes people who have “wealth, possessions, and honor” yet can’t enjoy them. What stood out to you most about this paradox?
- Pastor James identified four barriers that block us from enjoying God’s blessings. Which of these resonated most with you: chasing more, needing control, avoiding pain, or impatience?
- Read Ecclesiastes 6:7. Solomon says, “Everyone’s toil is for their mouth, yet their appetite is never satisfied.” What does he mean by “appetite” here, and why does he say it’s never satisfied?
- Pastor James mentioned that “naming” in Hebrew thought establishes authority and direction. How does this help us understand Ecclesiastes 6:10 when it says, “Whatever exists has already been named”?
- Solomon makes the surprising statement in Ecclesiastes 7:2 (NIV): “It is better to go to a house of mourning than to go to a house of feasting.” What wisdom is he trying to convey through this counter-cultural statement?
- Read Ecclesiastes 7:8-9. How does this passage address our cultural obsession with immediate results and instant gratification?
- Pastor James said, “Enjoyment doesn’t come from accumulation—it comes from attention.” In what area of your life might you need to shift from accumulating more to paying attention to what you already have?
- Solomon challenges the illusion of control we often cling to. What area of your life are you finding most difficult to surrender control of right now? What might it look like to “put the pen back in God’s hands” in that situation?
- Pastor James said, “You can’t enjoy the blessings of God with a numb heart.” Have you been avoiding any difficult emotions or painful situations that might be preventing you from experiencing joy? What might it look like to “face what escape can’t fix”?
- When have you experienced frustration with God’s timing? Looking back, can you identify any ways God was working in that waiting period that you couldn’t see at the time?
