Ecclesiastes 5:19,
"Moreover, when God gives someone wealth and possessions, and the ability to enjoy them, to accept their lot and be happy in their toil - this is a gift of God." Philippians 4:12-13,
"I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through Him who gives me strength."
Think
Have you ever known someone who was successful and yet still miserable? Maybe they reached their goals relationally, financially, or occupationally – yet they weren't satisfied. In fact, not finding satisfaction when they reached their goals might have even caused them to be even more miserable! What about you? Have you ever achieved or received something you thought would satisfy, only to be left wanting more? Solomon knew that it was one thing to have success, but being able to enjoy it – true satisfaction – is a gift that only comes from God. Likewise, in Philippians 4, the Apostle Paul calls it "contentment" and said the secret to being content is knowing that God always gives us exactly what we need if we have a personal relationship with Christ. It's not enough to have the things we want. The ability to enjoy the things we have is a gift that only comes from following God's plan. And as we follow His plan, He will give us options so we can decide what we want, pursue what we want, and even enjoy what we want. Don't be miserably successful. Follow God's plan so you can not only achieve success but enjoy it!
Act
Be honest with God about what you want. Write down the first 4-5 things that come to your mind. There is something powerful about seeing what you wrote, so don't skip this step. Then, once you have written those things down, ask God to show you His plan for those things.
Pray
God, thank You for caring about the details of my life. I believe You have a plan that will not only lead me to a successful life, but also allow me to enjoy it. Amen.
