As the New Year draws closer, you may catch yourself reflecting on the previous year and pondering on what goals you want to set for 2017. You may have had a successful year full of changes for the better. You may have had a year of surprises that threw you for a loop. You may have a had a year full of heartbreak and tragedy. Whatever kind of year you have had, I want to share with you the secret to being fulfilled in life that is my goal for the upcoming year.

This secret comes from the wisest man in the Bible. King Solomon ruled over Jerusalem before Jesus’ time on earth and was quite wealthy and full of wisdom. The book he wrote in the Bible, Ecclesiastes is short in length but has a rich, valuable content within the twelve chapters it contains. It has been said that those who are wise have few words but when they do speak up, you better listen!

King Solomon chased after many things in life as we all do. There was a time where he denied himself nothing, he bought whatever he desired. He was wealthy and found that none of those things could fulfill him. So he chose to chase after wisdom and knowledge next. But what did he discover? That this too did not fulfill him.

Sound familiar? Take a look at the world around you and see if the majority of people are chasing after either wealth, knowledge or fame. We were designed by God for more. When He originally created the garden of Eden, Adam and Eve had everything they wanted and were satisfied. They even had an intimate relationship with God in the Garden. God’s original intention for human beings was for us to enjoy relationship with Him, His creation, and others.

Here is what I have seen to be good and fitting: to eat, to drink and enjoy oneself in all one’s labor in which he toils under the sun during the few years of his life which God has given him; for this is his reward. Ecclesiastes 5:18

 

God wants us to live joyful and satisfied lives everyday. But many have jobs they are thankful for but don’t truly enjoy. It’s a struggle to go into work every morning. Most people want bigger and better newer homes, cars, clothes, and other things. We chase after wealth and work our lives away but find that we aren’t truly happy. 

Do you really think God will bless someone who is not content and thankful for what they have? Truly content people in life discover that life is about more than just things. So if you find yourself ungrateful and miserable, take a look around you and count your blessings. There is always something to be thankful for. And you are positioned where you are for a reason.

Join me in starting the new year with being content with what you do have. Remember blessings aren’t just things and money. Give God praise and thanks for what you have and discover how truly blessed you are already. Enjoy life today because today is all you will ever have. And watch God richly bless you in ways you never expected.

A Prayer For You

Lord thank You for all the blessings I have in my life currently. I have so much to be thankful for. Forgive me for overlooking what you have blessed me with already. Please reveal to me Your plan for my life in the upcoming year. Help me daily to be content with what You have given me and let Your will be done in my life. I trust You to take care of me and guide me in favor and blessings. In Jesus’ name, amen.