The Key To Flourishing
Jeremiah 29:11
‘‘For I know the plans I have for you’ declares the Lord, ‘Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’’
One of the most-read articles published recently in the New York Times was entitled A Times story on Languishing. It spoke about how, during the pandemic, people have felt stagnant, with dulled motivation and emotions; how they have been left languishing rather than flourishing.
To paraphrase the author, psychologist Adam Grant, people often think that they need to accomplish something massive to feel they are flourishing…they need to break records or achieve an extraordinary goal. The truth is, the feeling of flourishing is achieved far more in smaller things, than in epic achievements. Science has shown that small and seemingly insignificant actions like celebrating small moments in life, hanging out with a friend, volunteering, and taking some time each week to reflect on what you are grateful for, can help a person flourish.
God wants us all to live our best life.
Life can often seem overwhelming. There is so much to do, so much to achieve, and thousands of pulls on our attention. With a to-do list as long as our arm, we often don’t recognise little achievements and victories, as our focus seems to constantly settle on all the things yet to do. We are left languishing and feeling stagnant, yet the truth is, we are moving forwards but are simply failing to recognise this.
This week let us all try and look at our small achievements…to look for God in the detail. Instead of being overwhelmed by the enormity of each task, let us rejoice in each step and know that God is holding our hand…and maybe many of us will realise we are flourishing, not just surviving.
Prayer – Lord, forgive us where we look through the world's eyes at what we achieve, rather than through your eyes, and help us to celebrate each step and each victory. Help us and those we love, to flourish, and be grateful for everything you are doing in us and through us.