Having a good life is an innate desire for every human being. While good can be relative, it is generally agreed that the pursuit of comfort, health, and high quality is good. I don’t think there is a problem with having an inclination to wealth. I even think it is scriptural to lead a life of wealth and abundance – like our father in faith, Abraham. Besides, God is pleased when we have more than enough for our satisfaction and to help people around us.
2Cor.9.8 And God is able to make all grace (every favor and earthly blessing) come to you in abundance, so that you may always and under all circumstances and whatever the need be self-sufficient [possessing enough to require no aid or support and furnished in abundance for every good work and charitable donation]. (AMP)
However, the equating of a good life to God’s presence is an error. Silver and gold may belong to God, but that does not identify His location and presence. There are places where God dwells, through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. (John 14:16-17)
If you have a good life devoid of God’s presence, you have missed the mark. Having a harvest in season is not a marker of God’s presence. Having health and abundance is still not a marker of God’s presence. These things can point to favor and the mercy of God, but not necessarily to His presence. In Acts, the Bible talks of how God would allow you to follow your own paths, yet still provide evidence of His goodness in your life.
Acts 14:16-17 In the past he permitted all the nations to go their own ways, but he never left them without evidence of himself and his goodness. For instance, he sends you rain and good crops and gives you food and joyful hearts.” (NLT)
God can allow you to be in pursuit of your will and ungodly ways, yet still allow you to experience His goodness – that is His Grace. The fact that God is a good God does not change when you choose an ungodly path. That is why the wicked can still look like they prosper. The point is, God allows the sun to shine and the rain to fall on both the righteous and the ungodly (Matthew 5:45). He allows this because of His goodness and mercy. I call it the benevolence of a king. When you have a good president for your nation, the economy and political atmosphere will be favorable to everyone – even the thieves, terrorists, rapists, and all the other big names we detest. However, it does not mean that the president supports the actions of such people. It is only evidence of the goodness of the one in charge. In the same way, all creation experiences a measure of God’s goodness, but not everyone enjoys His presence. Presence is reserved for those that know to approach the throne with reverence and honor.
Standing in the presence of God is a privilege. In His presence are pleasures forevermore. But access to Him is for those who can seek Him in truth and spirit – further, a broken and contrite spirit, He does not reject (Psalms 51:17). Therefore, despite the physical manifestations, God’s presence is with some men. God was with Joseph in prison the same way He was when he was promoted to the throne.
If you enjoy God’s presence, a good life becomes great. Your prison days become just as good as the throne days. Your priority then becomes having a ‘God life’ more than the typical understanding of a ‘good life’. Moses knew enough about this when God was readying them for the promised land. Although God would allow them into the land flowing with milk and honey, Moses understood that God’s presence was worth more than the good life.
Exod.33.12 Moses said to the LORD, “You have been telling me, `Take these people up to the Promised Land.’ But you haven’t told me whom you will send with me. You call me by name and tell me I have found favor with you. (NLT)
Exod.33.15 Then Moses said to him, “If your Presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here. (NIV)
Therefore, no matter how many ‘blessings’ you seem to be enjoying in your life, I hope you understand they are not a marker of God’s presence. They only express the goodness and benevolence of the King. If you continue without His presence, you will always doubt His love when the rain stops falling and the Sun stops shining. You will always doubt His goodness and love when the prison days come. But with His presence, the stormy boat is just as comfortable as your cozy bed.
Therefore, I hope you are in pursuit of the presence of God – understanding that it makes all the difference. Instead of carrying the evidence of His goodness, carry the weight of His presence. May you always choose a ‘God life’ over a ‘good life’.
Scripture Reading: Exodus 33:12 & 15; Psalms 51:17; Matthew 5:45; John 14:16-17; Acts 14:16-17; 2 Corinthians 9:8
