Live Long and Prosper

Psalm 128

You will eat the fruit of your labor; blessings and prosperity will be yours. (Ps. 128:2)

THE WORD PROSPERITY makes us a bit nervous. We don't buy into the "prosperity gospel" that says your faith will make you rich we know too many godly people who struggle financially, but we can't deny that the word appears in Scripture. To ease our minds, let's look at the conditions Psalm 128 puts on prosperity. Verse 1 says it comes to those who "fear the LORD" and "walk in his ways." In other words, both our attitudes and our actions must show our faith and trust in God. Our culture tends to define prosperity as material wealth. The guy with an SUV who goes where he wants when he wants and comes back to a few thousand square feet of home sweet home, he's prosperous. However, both the NASB and the KJV translate "prosperity" as "it will be well with you." Now that gives it a whole different spin. When I think of things being "well" with me, I think first about relationships good friends I can laugh and cry with, a spouse who's in my corner, and open, easy communication with the Lord. Then I consider circumstances a fulfilling job, enough money to buy groceries and pay the bills, and so forth. When we fear God and live according to His plan,we may not be swimming in cash, but it will be well with us in eternity. He promised!

Mary McNeil

Rethink your definition of prosperity and thank God for what is "well" with you.