My focus word for the year is Flourish. My understanding, so far, of what that means is that it involves being a student of God’s word and living by it. I wanted to have a more well-rounded understanding of what it means to truly thrive so I spent all of January looking into that some more.
I wanted to know what flourishing means biblically. How that looks in my current season of life. And what steps I can take practically to live that way today.
To do that, I used a reading plan on the YouVersion Bible app called How to Survive Thrive. It’s a four week plan that looks to scripture for principles on how we can live this abundant life physically, emotionally, financially and spiritually. Here are some of the main points that resonated with me.
How to thrive physically
Don’t you know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought at a price. So glorify God with your body.
1 Corinthians 6:19-20
I know I’ve been guilty of putting my health and wellbeing on the back burner as I cared for my family. It eventually became difficult to care for them well because I wasn’t at my best. It’s important to view taking care of our bodies as a form of worship.
We should see ourselves the way God sees us – as precious, beloved, and made in His image. The goal isn’t looking a certain way but in being healthy because we have a purpose to fulfill. It’s vital that we take the time to nurture ourselves physically through proper nutrition, exercise and rest.
How to thrive emotionally
Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:6-7
This life is hard and we will experience a wide range of emotions. It’s important to actually feel those emotions, without sinning, and process them with God. Suppressing them leads to relational dysfunction especially in our relationship with God.
I particularly liked one part of the devotional for this section which explained the difference between guilt and shame. Guilt prompts repentance and leads us to God. Shame prompts coverup and runs from God. We have to remember who we are in Christ and continue to abide in God, where we can find His joy and peace.
How to thrive financially
You may say to yourself, ‘My power and my own ability have gained this wealth for me,’ but remember that the Lord your God gives you the power to gain wealth, in order to confirm his covenant he swore to your ancestors, as it is today.
Deuteronomy 8:17-18
God gives us the abilities and passions to do good work. He provides for us through this work. As such we should be intentional about discovering and using these gifts, for His glory. This last part is very important. What we’re given is for a purpose far greater than our own provisions. We are blessed so that we can then be a blessing to others.
Watch out and be on guard against all greed, because one’s life is not in the abundance of his possessions.
Luke 12:15
We should be wise with what we’re given. Saving not only provides for when we are in need later on, but also contributes to our peace knowing that there is something for when emergencies arise. We should adjust our spending to make more room for saving and giving. We can curb our spending by choosing to enjoy things without wanting to own, and being content with what we have.
How to thrive spiritually
For our momentary light affliction is producing for us an absolutely incomparable eternal weight of glory. So we do not focus on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.
2 Corinthians 4:17-18
Live in the present but with an eternal perspective! We know that what we will experience in this life does not compare to what is coming.
With this perspective, we can be a light in this world by living according to God’s word. By being content and grateful for whatever we have. By celebrating, and not comparing, our brothers and sisters as they accomplish good for the kingdom knowing that we’re all working towards the same goal. Lastly, by studying His word; growing in the grace and knowledge of our Lord. For His glory!
In which areas do you need to grow and thrive?
