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Group Questions 1.Read “The Woodcutter’s Wisdom”. What does the old woodcutter teach us about ANXIETY? What does he teach us about CONTENTMENT? 2.Does cultivating biblical contentment mean we should not set goals, work hard for advancement in our careers, or be ambitious about things we want to accomplish? Why? Or Why Not?

Anxiety A feeling of worry, nervousness, or unease, typically about an imminent event or something with an uncertain outcome.

Worry A synonym for anxiety. However, it tends to be associated “with more long-term difficult or painful circumstances for which there appears to be no resolution.

Frustration It is the feeling of being upset or annoyed especially because you do not have the ability to change or achieve something you would like to change or achieve It is being upset or angry at someone or something for getting in the way of our plans.

Discontentment the condition of being dissatisfied with one's life or situation (Merriam-Webster Dictionary) Discontentment most often arises from ongoing and unchanging circumstances that we can do nothing about. (Jerry Bridges)

1 Timothy 6:6-10 Now there is great gain in godliness with contentment, for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content. But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs.

Hebrews 13:5-6 – Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you." So we can confidently say, "The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?"

Philippians 4:11-13 Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

2 Corinthians 12:7- 10 So to keep me from becoming conceited because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to harass me, to keep me from becoming conceited. Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses,…

2 Corinthians 12:7- 10 so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

How To Battle Discontentment 1.Be Submissive to God’s Plan…What We Cannot Change, we Must Accept! 2.Cultivate Love for Others 3.Cultivate a Spirit of Joy 4.Learn to Accept Less Than You Are Due 5.Cultivate a Confident Trust In The Lord 6.Learn to React to Problems with Faithful Prayer 7.Cultivate the Practice of Thinking on Positive Things

A Prayer… Lord, I am willing to… RECEIVE What You Give LACK what You Withhold RELINQUISH what You Take