Success is something we all want and pursue in our lives.
Getting the promotion, winning the award, making a lot of money, or being widely recognized all feels good. These are measures that many people adopt for their lives. Without intentional consideration we can also adopt them as well.
While none of these measures are bad in and of themselves, they are not what we as Christians believe define success.
When we consider how to measure whether or not we are living on mission and winning with our lives, the Bible shows us the way. The prayer book of the Bible, the Psalms, give us a window into the presence of God in our lives.
How is Success Defined in the Psalms?
When life is good and we feel on top of the world, there is a psalm that captures the joy. When life is painful and we feel abandoned, there is a psalm that captures the despair. When life is tender we are finding our way forward from a challenging season, there is a psalm that captures the restoration.
Winning the battle or losing it, David turns to the Lord and pours himself out. Many of the psalms are written by David who experienced all the highs, lows, and in betweens of a life with the Lord.
The one constant is the presence of God and David’s practice of bringing it all to him. Success is the practice of bringing all of life to God despite the circumstance we are currently in at the moment.
Tip 36: Redefine Success
When my daughter was eight years old she said, “Mom, I want to say a bad word.” Such a sweet and honest confession to which I replied, “Go for it.” She took a deep breath and loudly shouted, “FART!”
After a breathless moment of release, she looked at me for my reaction. Her eyes held some fear that should be in trouble. I wrapped my arms around her and thanked her for inviting me into her moment. (Of course I was working hard to hold in my giggles at her innocent expression of the “F word!”)
Redefining Success as Turning to God in the Journey
We are winning with our lives when we turn to the Lord and invite him to share the journey. Paul in Phillippians 4:11 encourages us with his story, “Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need.”
Redefine success to be your life—all life, all emotions, all circumstances—shared with the Lord. The Psalms demonstrate for us the intimacy of God’s love and presence, which is both ultimate and available. As you crush your 90 Day Goal, invite the Lord to share in each day.
When you cross the finish line, he will be there to celebrate with you. But he is also just as proud and present in the days when it’s hard, boring, and frustrating. Whatever situation you are in, be content in the Lord and relish the success of living on mission.
Please send me your questions, challenges, and suggestions as we continue in the 90-Day Goal Together. I look forward to hearing from you and sharing the journey with you.
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