The Key to Life’s Good Things PSALM 34:1-10

Most men and women desire “the good life,” which they picture as a measure of material success, a minimum of troubles, and a degree of happiness. To achieve this dream, some people live simply in a quiet setting, while others work long and hard to amass financial security. Yet, satisfaction and contentment remain elusive for many. That’s because the real key to the good life is to seek hard after our heavenly Father.

In pursuing the Lord, we are to have a relationship-oriented goal—that is, to grow in intimacy with Him. Increasing our knowledge and understanding of His character will deepen our connection to Him.

As we study God’s Word, His Holy Spirit will open our minds and hearts so that we can comprehend the Lord’s beauty and perfection. That will lead to our rejoicing over His kind, compassionate nature and the depth of His love for us (Eph. 3:17-19). Our minds will be in awe of His just and merciful character that enables Him to be both a righteous judge and our all-sufficient advocate (Job 16:19).

The better we know the Lord, the closer we will want to draw near. What’s more, studying His commands and implementing them in our life will also strengthen our relationship with the Creator.

The key to the abundant life is found in pursuing God. He wants us to know Him in increasing measure, give Him first place in our lives, and do what pleases Him. Then He will give us the good things of life—namely, everything that fits into His plan and purpose for us.

No Exemptions

May the whole earth be filled with his glory! Amen and amen!

Psalms 72:19

This is a large petition. To intercede for a whole city needs a stretch of faith, and there are times when praying for one man is more than we can handle. But how far-reaching was the psalmist’s dying intercession! How comprehensive! How sublime! “May the whole earth be filled with his glory.” Not a single country is exempt even if it is crushed by the foot of superstition; this does not exclude a single nation however uncivilized. For the terrorist as well as for the civilized, for all places and races this prayer is uttered: It encompasses the whole circle of the world and omits no one. We must be up and doing for our Master, or we cannot honestly offer such a prayer. The petition is not asked with a sincere heart unless we endeavor, with God’s help, to extend the kingdom of our Master.

Are there not some who neglect both to pray and to work? Reader, is it your prayer? Turn your eyes to Calvary. Look at the Lord of Life nailed to a cross, with a crown of thorns upon His brow, with bleeding head and hands and feet. What! Can you look upon this miracle of miracles, the death of the Son of God, without feeling within your heart a marvelous adoration that language never can express? And when you feel the blood applied to your conscience and know that He has blotted out your sins, you are not a man unless you jump from your knees to cry, “May the whole earth be filled with his glory! Amen, and Amen!”

Can you bow before the Crucified in humble adoration and not wish to see your Monarch Master of the world? You only pretend to love your Prince if you do not desire to see Him the universal ruler. Your piety is worthless unless it leads you to wish that the same mercy that has been shown to you may bless the whole world. Lord, it is harvesttime; put in Your sickle and reap