What Is the Good Life and How Do We Live It?

August 25, 2021

Psalm 84:10

What Is the Good Life and How Do We Live It?

“For a day in your courts is better than a thousand elsewhere. I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wickedness. For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favor and honor. No good thing does he withhold from those who walk uprightly. O Lord of hosts, blessed is the one who trusts in you!” – Psalm 84:10-12

In his commentary on Psalm 84, Charles Spurgeon wrote these words, “God’s worst is better than the devil’s best.” Do you believe those words to be true? Do you truly believe that all the riches and promises of this world will never truly satisfy your heart – that God alone can satisfy? The world allures us into believing that our fulfillment can be found in the next vacation, a higher paycheck, a new house or car, the right spouse, better health through the newest diet, or a new hobby. Commercials run throughout the day on television, the radio, and through every social media feed. It is so hard not to get sucked into the empty promises and the pursuit of the good life here and now.

But what is the good life and how do we live it? Ask different people and you will get many different responses to these questions. Ask the Lord, and he will point you to himself. As the psalmist travels, prays, and longs for his time of worship and fellowship with the Lord, he seems to ponder the questions about the good life. His conclusion is that one day in the courts of the Lord would be better than a thousand elsewhere. In fact, he would rather serve as a doorkeeper in the house of the Lord then live in the luxury of sin and wickedness. He has seen through the empty promises of the world and chosen to put his trust in the one true God.

So, he will continue his journey to Jerusalem. His will continue his prayerful dialogue with the Lord, and he will continue to seek the Lord – seek his strength, protection, and provision. The Lord is a sun and shield just as he was when the Israelites travelled from the bondage of Egypt towards the promised land. At night, the Lord hovered about them in a pillar of fire providing much-needed light. Throughout the day, the Lord led as a cloud which provided covering and protection from the piercing sun. As only he can do, the Lord saw the needs of his people and provided. As he did then, he will continue to do today!

That, my friends, is the good life or the abundant life as the Apostle John wrote in his Gospel (John 10:10). As the psalmist wraps up his song, he declares that God will bless those who walk in obedience and trust. For those, there will be favor and honor; in fact, no good things will be withheld from them. Life with the Lord is good for today and even better for tomorrow!

Reflection:
Is this your confidence today? Are you willing to surrender the worldly promises of the good life and look to the eternal promises of the abundant life with the Lord? We would love to hear your thoughts in the comments.

Related Resource:

In our six-week small group Bible study on the book of 1 John, you are invited to live and celebrate true life in Christ. Throughout his first letter, John wrestles with the assurance of salvation. How do we know that we are genuine Christians, and how can we recognize authentic faith in others? The Apostle John taught that you can enjoy full assurance through believing in the incarnate Son of God, walking in the light of obedience, and loving God and his children. Embark on this study with us today!