The Good Life

“I would rather be a gatekeeper in the house of my God than live the good life in the homes of the wicked.” (Psalm 84:10 NLT)

I just saw a video clip on social media. A bunch of young women are lounging in an infinity pool. The camera pans to show what looks to be an expensive house sitting atop a hill. Many of the comments were from those who aspired to this type of lifestyle. There was a time in my life where I desired similar pleasures and the admiration of others. 

This video made me realize how far I had come over the years and how much further I need to grow. These days, a ‘Good Life’ still involves avoiding suffering. I do not want to be in pain or hurt others. I do not want to stand by while any living being is harmed. I still seek pleasure--only the sources have changed. Loving relationships, nature, puppies, books, etc., make me happy. Authenticity, virtue, purpose, wisdom, understanding, truth, kindness, altruism, courage, discipline, health, love, trust, quiet, privacy, peace, and resilience are all valuable to me. However, I am still far from where I need to be. My life is still mired in earthly ideals. My heart  is still far from experiencing complete satisfaction in the presence of God.

“What a beautiful home, God-of-the-Angel-Armies!

    I’ve always longed to live in a place like this,

Always dreamed of a room in your house,

    where I could sing for joy to God-alive!” (Psalm 84:1-2 MSG)

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Turned Around

“Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere.” (Psalm 84:10 NIV)

I recently read an article about an ultramarathoner who lost his bearings during a trail race. He ended up running several miles in the wrong direction. After a few miles of not seeing any other runners, he wondered if he was still on the right track--yet he kept going, not wanting to slow down and lose ground. Finally, he saw some campers and asked for directions. He was hoping they would confirm that he was still on the right path. He wasn’t, and they told him so.  He was so far off course that he had to forfeit the race. All his effort was wasted.

Even a few steps in the right direction is better than several miles in the wrong direction. Misguided productivity can be useless, even destructive. Most of us would rather be doing something than nothing, even when we feel disoriented. We may ask others for directions--but we are hoping they will validate our delusions, not question our choices.

Even one day in God’s presence, following His path, is better than years of self-indulgence. The steps we take determine the direction of our lives. Every decision leads to a set of outcomes. We get to choose how we spend this day, this hour. We can go off on our own, chasing after self-gratification or walk steadily on the road revealed by God.

“Don’t get sidetracked; keep your feet from following evil.” (Proverbs 4:27 NLT)