True prosperity

'They prosper in all they do' (Psalm 1:3 NLT). Sweet. Sorted, then? No action necessary, just go prosper. End of today's reading? Not quite. There is a proviso: Oh, the joys of those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or stand around with sinners, or join in with mockers. But they delight in the law of the Lord, meditating on it day and night' (Psalm 1:1-2 NLT)... the outcome: 'They prosper in all they do' (Psalm 1:3 NLT).

A life focused on God and his ways makes us prosperous. Our choices, who we decide to spend time with, what influences we allow into our lives, how often we soak up God's word... those things matter. And they'll affect our productivity, and therefore our prosperity.

Psalm 1:3 says that if we plant ourselves in God's laws, we'll flourish and produce fruit. God's prosperity isn't only financial success: it's anything that 'produces fruit in season' (Psalm 1:3 GWT), like our relationships, our work life, our recreation time. It's something that blesses others, not just us. It's not just take-take-take. It's as much about what we soak in and give out as it is about what we can get for ourselves.



So what now? Find your closest stream, river or lake, and sit under a tree, spending time with God. Take a picnic and a friend along. Thank God that with him your life is prosperous.





— SCRIPTURE —

'They prosper in all they do.' Psalm 1:3 NLT
— SOULFOOD —

Lev 26-27, Luke 2:41-52, Ps 74:12-23, Pro 2:7-8