Psalm 1:3 ” And he/she shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither, and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.”
The meaning of words are often influenced by our culture. Unfortunately the meaning is reduced to a single concept. Such has happened to the word prosper. As we study this phrase, “his leaf also shall not wither, and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper,” the word that stands out is “prosper.” We completely read past “wither” and miss its significance. As Americans we all like the idea of prospering. It’s ingrained within our culture and is seen as an “American right.” We define it as financial gain, yet the Hebrew definition means something more. The word is “Salah,” meaning to rush, as into battle, or to break forth, as from a hindrance, to come mightily, or to overcome. “Bionically it references” the Holy Spirit’s affect on a person, making them victorious. “According to Proverbs 28:13, even moral issues are involved in our prospering.” He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.” By Hebrew definition we see that the meaning of the word is much broader than just financial gain which our culture limits it to.
Jesus told a parable about a rich farmer who had such a bumper crop that he became wealthy. The farmer built bigger barns to hold his produce and basically just retired with his wealth. The god of “mammon” is the Hebrew term for the idol of wealth. One of the main idols of our culture. We all look up to the person that “has made it.” Successful in business, popular, nice car, big home are all the values that have been ingrained within us. We even have a T.V. show called “How I Made My Millions.” Yet The Lord’s comment to the rich farmer was “what good is it if you gain the whole world, yet lose your own soul?” Christ always saw the temporal in light of the eternal. We only see the temporal but ACT as if it’s eternal – it’s not. All we have to do is walk a cemetery to get a true perspective on life.
So what is it to really prosper? There is a Hebrew axiom that says,”may you prosper even as your soul prospers.” Based on our Hebrew definition, which is summed up in this axiom, true prosperity is more than financial wealth. It goes deeper, to the soul of the individual. It involves our decisions, our choices and the person we are becoming. Most importantly, who or what is our “source.” We all have one, be it “self,” husband/wife, boyfriend/girlfriend, job, family, or the Lord etc., we all have something that we run to. The first part of this phrase speaks indirectly about that source. It says, “;his leaf also shall not wither…” Plants only whither when they are under heat stress and/or need to be watered. To not “wither” implies the ability to withstand adversity because your “roots” are deep and drawing from a sustainable source.
This sustainable source Bionically is defined as God, or ” the Holy Spirits affect on a person making them victorious,” as mentioned. The definition has nothing to do with finances, which in many ways can be a hindrance to one’s dependency upon God. Wealth can be like an intoxicating drink which makes us believe that we do not need The Lord. Like the rich farmer who felt he had control over his destiny. Yet Jesus said, “you fool, this night your soul shall be required of thee and to whom will all your wealth go.” In other words, wealth has no benefit beyond this life, and if mismanaged it becomes more a curse than a blessing. If it is not money, it can be something else that we put first. Our work, our knowledge, even our family can be an obstacle for us, a type of “wealth.” This is when the good becomes a hindrance, even at times an enemy to the best. We are so satisfied with our current life that we have no room, time or need for God. A life in balance acknowledges God as priority, family as second, followed by our jobs and other responsibilities.
True prosperity then is to walk in communion with The Lord. Allowing the Holy Spirit to guide and impact our lives. Having deep roots in Him from which to draw strength and hope against the day of adversity…, for it will come. Lastly, a heart that seeks to be an “ambassador for Christ.” For truly no life is complete outside of Him.
There is no amount of money or worldly priority that can grant the peace, joy, wholeness, and love from God and others than a life in communion with God can bring.
Father God,
It is true that much of the world’s values are in me. Yet I know your word is true, and to live out the values I see on T.V., or hear discussed are not the values that I want to guide my life. So help me to go deeper and seek to be open and transparent before You. Heal me where I need healing, and change me where I need changing. And help me to be patient with the process. Thank you and Amen.
Dios lo Bendiga – Arthur