Why You're Not Happy
February 8, 2026Pastor Patrick presented today's message, "Why You're Not Happy." A video of today's message is here on YouTube. It may help to be familiar with the message but that is not required to enjoy the thoughts below.
I wrote some about contentment last July, check it out: Secret of Contentment.
It's also interesting to note that shalom, שָׁלוֹם, also carries the meaning of contentment (along with safe, happiness, friendliness, prosperity, health, rest, wellness, quiet, tranquility, satisfied, and, of course, peace). It's used over 230 times in the Old Testament. An interesting example is the use of shalom in the story of Jethro, Moses' father-in-law, explaining to Moses that he (Moses) is carrying too much burden and needs help from others to lead/handle the Israelites (Exodus 18). Jethro says if you do what I suggest, you'll be at peace (content, satisfied). Bottomline, shalom refers to being in right relationship with God and the satisfaction and contentment that relationship brings. Proverbs 3:17, "All her [wisdom's] paths are peace." And let's not forget the opposite, "There is no peace for the wicked" (Isaiah 48:22).
Bonus
Sabbath: North Star of Redemptive History
Here's a short piece that makes the case for observing the Sabbath. It's by David Nekrutman and is entitled: Burnout is Not a Badge: Reclaiming the World’s Original Operating System. It's about a 5-minute read.
Bonus2
"Wisdom for Life" Study GuideI ran across what looks like a good study guide for teens and young adults that we may start using for our Family Dinners: Wisdom for Life: A Guided Proverbs Study Workbook by Damien Shillingford. Its pages contain plenty of lined space for the student to fill in answers to thought questions asked in each of 40 lessons. Lesson titles include:
Wisdom is Life's Key Ingredient
True Friends are Loyal
Slow to Anger
Wisdom Comes with Humility
The Power of the Tongue
Honesty Builds Trust
The Legacy of Integrity
We'll try it out, and I'll let you know how it goes...