What Does It Mean to Truly Flourish in Life?
In a world obsessed with appearances and achievements, we often confuse surviving with thriving. The difference between these two states of being isn't always what we might expect, and understanding this distinction can transform how we approach both the good times and the difficult seasons of life.
The Difference Between Surviving and Thriving
Sometimes what looks like thriving from the outside is actually just surviving. Consider the successful business executive working 12-15 hour days, growing revenue from $50,000 to $300,000 monthly, yet dying inside from exhaustion and disconnection from family. Conversely, caring for a dying loved one - changing diapers, administering medications, losing sleep - might look like surviving but can actually become a season of deep thriving in relationships and spiritual growth.
This paradox leads to an important question: Is thriving in life less about our circumstances and more about our identity, character, and perspective?
What Does a Flourishing Life Look Like?
Psalm 92:12 tells us that "the godly will flourish like palm trees and grow strong like the cedars of Lebanon." But what does this flourishing actually mean in practical terms?
A thriving life involves:
Waking up with purpose and intention, viewing each day as a gift
Taking care of our physical, emotional, and spiritual health
Being rooted in Christ with an expectant heart to see God's goodness daily
Developing a personal relationship with Jesus that reflects the fruits of the Spirit
Living in community with others who encourage and support us
The Foundation: Identity in Christ
True flourishing begins with understanding our identity. The "godly" mentioned in Psalm 92 aren't perfect people - they're repentant people who keep short accounts with God. They're forgiven people, not flawless people.
Many people try to build their identity on career achievements, financial success, or social status. One person shared how they thought they were thriving as a Hollywood red carpet reporter, attending A-list parties and interviewing celebrities. But underneath the glamorous exterior, they were broke, empty, and struggling with addiction. It wasn't until they hit rock bottom and built a relationship with God that true thriving became possible.
How Do We Move from Surviving to Thriving?
Recognize Rock Bottom Moments
Often, our greatest seasons of growth come from our lowest points. Whether it's addiction, domestic violence, job loss, or other crises, these moments can become turning points that redirect us toward God's path for our lives.
Learn to Worship in Dark Moments
One powerful testimony shared how worship music became a lifeline during domestic abuse. Even in the darkest circumstances, choosing to worship created space for God's presence and peace. This practice of turning to God in difficulty builds the foundation for thriving regardless of external circumstances.
Trust God's Timing and Plan
Sometimes we try to put God "in timeout" when life doesn't go according to our plans. Yet God remains faithful even when we step away. One person shared how they told God they were taking a break from their relationship until their visa situation was resolved. Ironically, it was during this time of distance that God orchestrated the breakthrough they'd been waiting for.
The Role of Community in Flourishing
Vulnerability Creates Connection
True community requires vulnerability, trust, and sacrifice. Just as Jesus called Peter to throw his nets on the other side of the boat despite his exhaustion, we must be willing to be vulnerable with others even when it's uncomfortable.
Finding Your Prayer Warriors
Having two or three people who will answer your call at 3 AM, pray with you immediately, or meet for coffee when you're struggling is invaluable. This kind of community doesn't happen accidentally - it requires intentional investment in relationships.
Church Community as a Safe Space
Many people find that being part of a church community deepens their relationship with God and provides opportunities for both giving and receiving support. Having spaces to be vulnerable about struggles like addiction, family difficulties, or career challenges creates an environment where true healing can occur.
Practical Safeguards for Difficult Seasons
Daily Spiritual Practices
Maintain a consistent prayer life
Read Scripture regularly and declare it over your situations
Practice gratitude and thanksgiving
End each day in prayer and worship
Accountability Relationships
Having someone older in the faith or a trusted mentor who can ask hard questions about your spiritual growth provides crucial accountability. Sometimes we can't see our own progress, but others can observe whether we're becoming more loving, patient, and self-controlled.
Remember Past Victories
When facing new challenges, recall how God has been faithful in previous difficult seasons. These memories build trust and confidence that God will be present in current struggles as well.
Redefining Success
What Does Daily Success Look Like?
Instead of measuring success by salary, job title, or possessions, consider these questions:
Did I show up as the best version of myself today?
Am I becoming more like Jesus?
Am I doing what Jesus is calling me to do?
Did I demonstrate love, patience, and self-control?
Jesus as Our Highest Reward
True success recognizes that Jesus is our highest reward. Even if everything else is taken away, we have Jesus, and He will never leave or forsake us. This perspective transforms how we view both achievements and losses.
Life Application
This week, challenge yourself to examine whether you're truly thriving or just surviving. Take an honest inventory of your life - not based on external appearances, but on the condition of your heart and your relationship with God.
Consider these questions:
Where am I trying to build my identity outside of Christ?
What would it look like for me to be more vulnerable in my relationships this week?
How can I create space for worship and prayer, especially during difficult moments?
Who are the two or three people I can call when I need prayer or support?
Am I becoming more like Jesus in my daily interactions and responses to challenges?
Remember that salvation is free, but spiritual maturity costs something. It requires sacrifice, vulnerability, and trust. But through these sacrifices, we learn more about Christ, become more like Him, and build deeper relationships with both God and others. The goal isn't perfection - it's progress toward becoming the person Jesus wants us to become while doing the things He's calling us to do.
