“He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers.” Psalm 1:3 (ESV)
There is a huge difference between what the world labels as success and the prosperity that God desires for each of us! By the world’s standard, success is defined by “more!” It is insatiable, meaning it is never enough. It is elusive, meaning once you reach your so-called dream, the goal posts seem to move further out. Satisfaction, fulfillment, “enough” are never reached! Whether it is fame, fortune or pleasure, they are simply fleeting goals in the never-ending pursuit. It is a race that never ends. I realize that most folks are far from reaching the worldly definition, but even those who have reached it, wonder why they want more! They find they have spent their lives climbing the ladder of success only to discover it was leaning against the wrong tree.
On the other hand, God’s way is for us to prosper in all we do (Psalm 1). His road is not to fulfill our wants and desires but to give us significance, meaning and purpose in this life. It is only in Him that we find our true destiny. This is especially important in this hour that we live. You and I are here, right now, wherever that may be, because God desired us here. He has entrusted us to be alive in this moment of history. And God wants to bless you with “more” than you could ever ask or imagine (Ephesians 3:20). He desires for you to do even greater things than Jesus did when He walked on this earth (John 14:12). Yep, we can’t even fathom what that will look like. Jesus walked on water, raised the dead, multiplied food, turn water to wine, healed the sick and effectively released the kingdom of heaven on earth. He says we can do this and more. No generation has ever walked in this fulness. But this is what He desires for this generation!
The things of his world may bring pleasure for a moment, but will never satisfy, or give a sense of purpose. God wants us to be significant, to be His manifested sons and daughters, who know who they are, whose they are, the authority they carry and to operate in the fullness of their gifts, anointing and calling! He wants a people who carry His glory so that the world sees and is filled with the knowledge of it (Habakkuk 2:14).
Ask the Lord to show you any and every place where you are pursuing success by the world’s definition. Ask Him to allow you to see where you have been drinking the elixir of the god of the air, where you have been tainted by the narrative, where you are chasing after things that don’t/won’t satisfy. Ask Him to realign your life with His purpose for it, in every aspect. Ask Him for the grace to fulfill your destiny in Him and to see what He promised in Psalm 1:3, that you would prosper in all you do!
