Review: Last week we were encouraged in the practices of gratitude, generosity, and prayer. All different ways God can "occupy our hearts with joy" (Ecc 5:20).  How did that go this week? Where did you experience God's joy? 

Take a moment in prayer, welcoming the Spirit's presence. Then read Ecclesiastes 6:1-12, the hard passage that Phil spoke on this past Sunday.

 Phil said we often think Ecclesiastes is a "downer," but that maybe it's supposed to bring us down in some ways.  What are some of the things or people you've looked to beside God that you've needed to be brought down from? 

The wisdom of Ecclesiastes is a gift from God. Read Proverbs 1:20-23.  Why would anyone love "being simple"? If wisdom is "calling out to us," what's the remedy for those of us who realize we've closed our ears to that wisdom?

We live in a world that is NOT as it ought to be, but as it really is. In what ways has Ecclesiastes helped you learn how to navigate your way through this life here under the sun?

Phil said there are three ways the Preacher builds us up in this book, and, in chapter 6, we get a glimpse of them all. We are to:

1. Fear the Lord (v10). ​The Preacher doesn't try to explain why hard things happen, even though God knows. Instead, he simply points us to God's strength and greatness, that we might fear Him. How does this build us up? Read Isaiah 40:25-29.  

2. Enjoy the good gifts He has given (v9). So often we miss the enjoyment of the good that God has so graciously given us, because we are either too focused on what we do not have or we are waiting for it all to be "as it ought." What good gift(s) of God might He be calling you to greater enjoy? How does regularly practicing gratitude help foster this enjoyment? 

3. Rest in the hope of Jesus (v7). As scholar Michael Eaton says, "Bread alone does not satisfy." Ecclesiastes regularly reminds us that this world cannot truly satisfy; we need Jesus. How has/does Jesus bring true rest and satisfaction to your soul? Read Philippians 4:11-13. What does this passage claim is the secret to contentment? 

Phil mentioned three practices that can help press out these "words of wisdom" in our individual/corporate day to day lives: LifeGroups (doing life together), Reflection Questions (further study during the week), and gratitude.  Where might God be calling you to begin or keep going? Pray and ask the Spirit for His wisdom and help.