I Want the Good Life (Ps. 128:1-6)

Everyone wants the "good life." That probably means different things to different people. For some that's riches. To others it means notoriety or fame or position. Still others it might mean a life without stress and worry, not necessarily filthy rich but comfortable. That would include good jobs, nice home with all the modern conveniences and creature comforts, relatively new vehicles, a couple of kids doing well in school and whatever extra circular activities they have chosen. Good neighborhood with great neighbors. Life going smooth with no hiccups.

Psalm 128 paints the picture of what I would consider the good life. Dad has a good and secure job in which things are going great. His wife is fulfilled and happy with her home and life position. The kids are healthy and growing and doing well. Meal times are enjoyable as the family gathers round the dining table each evening. Life couldn't get any better than this. The psalmist goes on to talk about a long healthy life in a community that is prosperous.

That sounds good to me. That's the life I want! So where is this place and how do I get it? The psalmist does add this caveat, those who have a deep relationship with God and follow His ways enjoy these things. He's not saying accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior and all your problems will disappear. What he is saying that living by the principles and precepts laid out by God will lead to the happiest most content form of life.

Following God's principles for finance are going to keep you out devastating debt. Following God's principles for business will keep your company strong. Following God's principles for relationships enhances all your interactions. Following God's principles for marital relations will maintain a healthy vibrant marriage and sex life. Following God's principles for raising kids leads to bright, healthy, obedient, solid children. Following God's principles in how you treat neighbors, strangers, and even enemies transforms those relationships. Follow God's principles on eating leads to a long healthy life. Following God's principles on drinking will keep you out of trouble. Following God's principles for our community and poor and widows and orphans ensures a prosperous society.

Do I believe that we could live in this utopian society? Probably not. Somehow our selfish human nature always gets in the way. However, I do believe that pursuing God and his precepts would bring our world, our country, our community, our workplace, our neighborhood, our home, our dining table, our marriage a whole lot closer. God desires for us to live a full, abundant life, free from many of the worries of this world. By following Him and His truths we can minimize the pain and damage and destruction we face in life and maximize the "good life."

God, the good life sure sounds good to me. I would love to live in world with the least amount of headaches. I want to enjoy each day. I want to enjoy my life and family and wife until I die an old man. I want to experience your blessings, your prosperity. I want healthy long-lasting relationships. I want to live in a wonderful, gracious, caring and prosperous community. I know all that starts with me pursuing you. Transform me, Father, as I seek you and your ways. Let me be a catalyst for my family and neighbors to pursue you as well.