Flourishing Is A Journey
- Lane of Roses
- Apr 21
- 3 min read
If the first step to flourishing in the way that God intended us to is to “Recognize and live our lives from the reality that flourishing without Jesus isn’t really flourishing at all,” how does that impact the way we live our daily lives? Why does recognizing and living out of that reality even matter? Will it even make a difference when life still happens? When tragedy strikes again?
It matters. It changes everything–starting with our perspective. The shift in perspective is imperative to flourishing because there’s a great clash between flourishing according to the world and flourishing from a God-centered perspective. The worldly definition of human flourishing is self-centered. If we are relying on our own strength, our own health, our own contentment, our own merit we will come up short. We will always be flourishing in one moment and chasing it in the next.
When we operate from a worldly perspective it’s easy to slip into thoughts similar to that of the author of Psalm 73:2-12 “But as for me, I almost lost my footing. My feet were slipping, and I was almost gone. For I envied the proud when I saw them prosper despite their wickedness. They seem to live such painless lives; their bodies are so healthy and strong. They don’t have troubles like other people; they’re not plagued with problems like everyone else. They… have everything their hearts could ever wish for! They scoff and speak only evil; in their pride they seek to crush others. They boast against the very heavens, and their words strut throughout the earth. And so the people are dismayed and confused, drinking in all their words. “What does God know?” they ask. “Does the Most High even know what’s happening?” Look at these wicked people—enjoying a life of ease while their riches multiply.
It can seem like pursuing the Lord and doing good is pointless, like our perpetual lot in life is asking, “Did I keep my heart pure for nothing? Did I keep myself innocent for no reason? I get nothing but trouble all day long; every morning brings me pain.” (Psalm 73:13-14).
There’s a reason the words of Psalm 73 have lasted thousands of years. There’s a reason that when we read those ancient words that it strikes a chord of recognition in our heart, and it isn’t because those feelings are a lie. It’s because they are real feelings that are still valid today. Like somebody sitting in a modern day coffee shop could have written them. When we think of flourishing from a Harvard social sciences (see devotion 1 in this series) perspective our definition of flourishing will be inwardly focused, and can lead to feelings similar to those we just read. Biblical flourishing, in contrast, is God-centered, focused upward, and based on our relationship with Jesus. He is the source of true human flourishing. When our eyes are on Him, when we are trusting Him, making decisions with Him and doing so for His glory then no time or season is wasted. No gifting or talent of ours is without purpose or opportunity to be used. No hardship is gone through without hope, no trial is undergone without intention for our good and His glory. God redeems all things and we can flourish in Him no matter what.
The human journey to and with flourishing is varied and circuitous, we can be flourishing in one area of life while failing or struggling in another. Lane of Roses is always seeking to meet people where they are. We want to help you live out your God-given purpose and we’ve created many resources to help us meet you right where you are! New to faith? We’ve got something for you. Been walking with the Lord for a while? We’ve got you covered. Struggling with depression, stress, anxiety? Find a resource just for you with this map!
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