Ask the average person what he or she wants out of life, and the response will usually be something about happiness, fulfillment, or purpose. “I just want to be happy.” Or, “I just want fulfillment out of life,” Or maybe, “I just want my life to have purpose and meaning,” people might respond. But that leaves us with a big questions, how do people find fulfillment and happiness? People have tried to find these things in all kinds of places. Some have searched for happiness in riches and power. Others have tried to find it in drugs or a bottle. Others have searched in the religions of the world. But all of these approaches will leave people short of their goal, and wondering if purpose and happiness in life is attainable.
God has the answer! He created you for a purpose, and His desire is for you to have a fulfilling, happy, purposeful life. But these things can only be gained on His terms. In this passage, Solomon shares some basic keys to having a happy, fulfilled life. Look at the different issues he brings up:
*Keep my teaching and commands. *Let love and faithfulness never leave you.
*Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and don’t lean on your own understanding.
*In everything you do, acknowledge God.
*Do not be wise in your own eyes. *Fear the Lord and shun evil.
*Honor the Lord with your wealth. *Do not despise the Lord’s discipline.
*Find wisdom.
All of these take effort, and faith to incorporate into life. But the blessings are huge! Look at some of the blessings of seeking fulfillment and purpose in God.
*A long and prosperous life.
*Favor and a good name in the sight of God and men.
*Straight paths — you will know God’s will.
*Health and nourishment to your body.
*Overflowing barns and full vats — God will bless you beyond measure.
*A long and wonderful life.
Where are you seeking happiness today? Where are you seeking fulfillment? Where are you seeking purpose? God offers everything you could want in life, but it begins by trusting Him and serving Him. It may take effort, but in the end, the only people who find these are those who trust in the Lord with all their heart.