A desire for a life that flourishes

In seeing ads in my newsfeed lately, I can’t help but notice how so much of what culture directs at us is this idea of flourishing. Pretty much every product is marketed to us so we’ll have a more fruitful and productive life. And let’s be honest, we love the products that help us do just that. The idea of prosperity and happiness is everywhere if you look close enough.

In God’s word, this similar idea is all throughout Scripture, but it’s very different. Jesus said that he has come so that we will have life and life to the fullest. He desires that we follow his commands so that it will go well for us. In Genesis, we see his desire for Adam and Eve not to touch the forbidden fruit as it will bring forth death/sin, not life/blessing.

Since their disobedience, sin has tainted this idea of flourishing. Relationships and families are broken. We know our sinful nature gets the best of us at times. Fear and anxiety often consume us. Our world is terribly broken with sickness, death and evil. We long for so much more than our fingers can touch. When we do “buy” happiness, it only lasts so long and then we want the next best thing.

Having a life that truly flourishes can seem out of reach. Some days we are just surviving and not exactly thriving. But we know in Christ it is possible. I hope you know you can flourish — but not in the way the world thinks.

You can flourish in God’s strength through the power of the Holy Spirit. Through a right relationship with him by grace through faith. Through confessing sin and struggling well through this life. Through leaning on the Spirit and not your own flesh and desires. Through placing your faith in Jesus alone as your ultimate hope. Through believing that one day he will make everything right again.

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