What is success?   How do you define success?  Success can be defined in numerous ways.   So often we associate success with an amazing career, awards, trophies, money, major accomplishments, or positions of power, and yet is that what success is all about?  Below is a poem by Ralph Waldo Emerson that so beautifully shares his thoughts on “success.”

Success

To laugh often and much;

To win the respect of intelligent people and affection of children;

To earn the appreciation of honest critics and

Endure the betrayal of false friends;

To appreciate beauty,

To find the best in others;

To leave the world a bit better,

Whether by a healthy child, 

A garden patch or a redeemed social condition;

To know even one life has breathed easier

Because you have lived.

This is to have succeeded.

Ralph Waldo Emerson

The verse that I chose this week from Psalm 20:4, “May He give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed,” is one that offers such hope and encouragement and yet needs some further evaluation.  At first glance you may think this verse says, tell God everything on your heart and he will make it happen.  You will succeed as long as you ask God, perhaps there is more to this verse than just making your plans succeed.  

The first section of this verse mentions “your heart”, and quite often in the Bible, the heart refers to your core being, your character.  Proverbs 27:19 puts it right out there, look at yourself and  you will see where your heart lies.  Your heart reflects who you are as a person.  Is your heart in the right place, or is it in a self-absorbed, self-righteous, or self-centered place.

“As water reflects a face, so a man’s heart reflects the man.”  Proverbs 27:19  

I also find it quite fascinating that the heart is the central organ in our bodies and without the heart  we simply cannot survive.  The more I think about it, the more amazed I am at how God created our bodies to be so wonderful.  Each part of our bodies has a specific function but it all flows back through the heart.  

“Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.”  Proverbs 4:23

There are a couple of phrases about the heart that come to mind, for instance, “put your heart and soul into it,”  “tender heart, “hardened heart” and  “let’s get to the heart of the matter.”  These are just a few phrases that emphasize the importance of the heart.  You will succeed in all matters of life, if your heart, if the core being of your character guides you with Biblical convictions of truth and grace.  

“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”  Matthew 6:21

The second part of Psalm 20:4 discusses our plans to succeed.  Our plans will succeed if we continue to place our trust and faith in God.  We must recognize that we may have certains plans for our future, but if those plans do not align within the will of God, they simply will not succeed.  How then do we know if we are following in God’s will?  That perhaps is the ultimate question of life?  

“Trust in the Lord with all your hearts and lean not on your own understanding, in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.”  Proverbs 3:5-6

I long so desperately to be in God’s will and yet, I don’t always know if I am following in the right direction and yet there are glimpses each day that help me to see that when I start the day, trusting that God has a plan and a purpose for me, I can go about my business with an open heart and mind to seeing where He is leading me.  

At the end of each day, take some time to reflect and see how God directed your every step and then notice where you might have gotten off track.  Be very mindful that God is here for you, all you need to do is be open and ask him to guard your heart and guide your daily walk with Him.

The sentiments of Psalm 20:4 are restated again in Psalm 37:4, keep your thoughts and actions devoted to serving the Lord, doing his will and your heart will overflow with goodness. The desires of your heart will be fulfilled as you reflect His light into the world.

“Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart.” 

Psalm 37:4

I pray this week that your heart will be full of joy that only comes from serving the Lord, and that you see success in even the simplest of moments.  Have a happy day!  

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