What the Bible says about Well-being , Sense of
(From Forerunner Commentary)
Solomon admits that his quest rewarded him with a certain amount of joy, but he still found it unsatisfactory. We might think that with all his wealth, good health, and a discerning mind, he would have had joy in abundance. What he accomplished, however, did not leave him with an enduring sense of well-being because his search continued after this experiment ended. He seems so frustrated that he says we should seize the joy as it comes along and be content with it (verse 24). His ultimate conclusion, found in verse 26, is that God determines whether we experience joy.
John W. Ritenbaugh
The Fruit of the Spirit: JoyRelated Topics: Abundance | Accomplishment, Sense of | Contentment | Fruits of God's Holy Spirit | Fruits of God's Holy Spirit: Joy | Fruits of the Spirit | Frustration, Sense of | Joy | Joy, Carnal | Joy, God gives | Pleasure | Pleasure, Carnal | Pleasure, Sensual | Pleasure, Worldly | Solomon | Solomon's Discontent and Frustration | Well-being , Sense of | Worldly Pleasure
The question at this point is still, "How are we trying to find satisfaction in life?" We could reword it, "How are we trying to find love, joy, and peace?" The Parable of the Prodigal Son touches on this issue.
Like the young man, we yearn for a feeling of well-being, peace, security, fun, and happiness. Also like him, we pursue after them, attempting to produce them in virtually every way but the Father's way. We, like him, experience the same empty, hollow, something-is-missing feelings.
Some may remember a popular song of a few decades ago sung by Peggy Lee titled "Is That All There Is?" The lyrics dealt with this very subject. The singer recounts having tried so many supposedly exciting and fulfilling things in life yet having found no lasting satisfaction in any of them. Following each experience, she concludes by asking the question, "Is that all there is?" The song clearly expresses that such a life is not truly fulfilling.
What is missing from such a life is the true purpose of life combined with the effort of fulfilling it by living the required way. The three offerings in Leviticus 1-3—the burnt, meal, and peace offerings—broadly define God's way of life: doing all things within the context of His purpose in love. As we have seen, I John 5:3 defines love as keeping the commandments, and the essence of love is sacrificial giving.
Though without the Spirit of God, some people (psychologists, for instance) have figured out much of this. The part they have not determined through observing humanity is the true purpose of life because God has not revealed it to them. They have, however, found that the essence of love is sacrifice and that doing the right things produces a sense of well-being.
John W. Ritenbaugh
The Offerings of Leviticus (Part Four): The Peace OfferingRelated Topics: Fulfillment | Happiness | Joy | Love | Parable of the Prodigal Son | Pleasure | Sacrifice | Sacrificial Giving | Satisfaction | Well-being , Sense of
Frustration and bitterness were not Paul's companions. He did not make what he considered to be his needs absolutes in order to determine his sense of well-being. By faith, he believed that God was watching over his life and would provide.
Paul followed the example of Jesus Christ, and this is the example that we too are to follow. We are to learn to be angry and not sin. We are to learn not to make frustration, bitterness, and hostility regular parts of our lives.
John W. Ritenbaugh
The Spiritual Mark of the BeastRelated Topics: Be Angry and Sin Not | Bitterness | Faith , Living by | Frustration | Frustration, Sense of | God's Sovereignty | Hostility | Living by Faith | Well-being , Sense of