Successful Living

Psalm 63:1, "O God, You are my God; Early will I seek You; My soul thirsts for You; My flesh longs for You In a dry and thirsty land where there is no water." (NKJV)

Many books are being written and have been written that assist each of us in setting our goals for success. We are a success driven generation of people that allow our success to be determined and measured by different standards.  We define success with various status symbols that often change such as larger houses, more expensive vehicles, and advancement in our field of employment.  None of these accomplishments in and of themselves are sinful but we can become so enamored by these attractions that we fail to take hold of important spiritual principles that will make an eternal difference in our lives. 

Is it possible that we fail to remember the most important book that was ever written when we begin to set the goals of our lives?  The Bible, the written record of the Word of God, was revealed that we might receive understanding and knowledge that would direct the path of our life.  This Psalm is one of the passages that allow us to set a pattern of behavior that will return dividends across the full spectrum of life.  The word "early" caught my attention this morning.  We may think of "early" in terms of the time frame of our day.  We seek God early in the morning rather than later in the day.  I am not here to say that understanding would be wrong but let we challenge your thinking for a moment.  What if we looked at this passage in Psalms through these lenses of understanding?  What if "early" in my walk with Christ I set the pattern of seeking after Him with passion and fervency?  What if we allowed the Spirit to develop our thirst and hunger for God from the very beginning of our walk with Christ?  You may remember when you felt that way regarding your relationship with Christ but the daily routine of life has a way of cutting into the time that was dedicated to God.  How do we overcome that reality of life?  We overcome that reality through the development of the pattern of spiritual hunger and thirst.  I have eaten many meals in my life on this earth but I still have trouble refusing a good meal when it is offered.  What if we allowed that same pattern to be revealed in our walk with Christ?  Do not refuse those opportunities to "come and dine" with Christ and in this process allow your soul to grow and mature.  Christ is still the answer for your life!