Wise Expectations to Enjoy Life

God made man upright but he has chosen many schemes.

Wise expectations about your lot in life

Politicians come and go. Power is not as good as being humble enough to take advice to enjoy life.

Finding joy through religion isn’t about making promises to God to fulfill your own dreams. You find joy as you fear God. (Judges)

Finding joy through the bureaucracy in government is unlikely. A ruler who wants you to take care of your family and works to allow that is helpful.

Wise expectations about where to find satisfaction

Money won’t provide joy; stuff only increases your responsibility. Being able to work hard and sleep well is good for life. (rich guy)

Trying to add to what you have ungenerously or easily will destroy your family and add a lot of mental health issues. If you can enjoy what you have, life goes by quickly.

Possessing all your desires without seeking to enjoy what you have makes one blind to the fact that death comes to all. (parable of the rich fool)

Seeking the next great thing is like eating food…it never ends. Better to focus on enjoying what’s in front of you.

Men don’t change the future by argumentation. It’s better not to try to predict or control it.

Things that gain wisdom:

Seeking a good reputation is better than seeking a good first impression for enjoying life.

Death provides more wisdom and ultimate joy than feasting and laughter.

Wise rebuke adds more joy to your life than a concert. Fools only laugh the length of a song or how long it takes to start a fire.

Oppression and bribes end in madness not joy.

Finishing something brings more joy than starting it so patience brings more joy than pride.

Nostalgia for the past doesn’t bring joy and rest only frustration. Deal with today.

An inheritance used wisely gives joy and security as does an acceptance of God’s sovereignty.

In tough times remember you don’t know what will happen next.

Take advantage of opportunities but don’t insist your rightness or wisdom will not have negative consequences nor charge ahead without considering God. You might have to choose between difficult choices; a fear of God is more important than self-justification.

Wisdom gives more strength for enjoying life than power and people.

Don’t hope to be perfect or hope to never have people say bad things about you. You know you’ve gotten angry with people to.

It’s worse than death to have a spouse who wants to trap and control you. Don’t just marry anyone.

Wise expectations based on the Resurrection

Colossians 3:1–3 ESV

1 If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. 3 For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.

Col 3:1-3

You’re going to need to work hard to fight sin, be patient, and be forgiving as you’re made into the image of God’s Son.

You’re going to get to love people and get along with them.

You’re going to get to praise God and be in His Word.

You’re going to get to represent Jesus.