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All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right (2 Timothy 3:16, NLT).
Recently, I’ve noticed the recent term “flourishing” discussed in psychological and well-being-focused podcasts, articles, and research studies. It’s the latest craze in the world of human effort as the source of happiness. As one article says. . .
More recently, researchers have focused on the idea of flourishing not simply as happiness or success, but as a multidimensional state of well-being that involves positive emotions, engagement, relationships, meaning, and accomplishment.
An even more recent research paper studied “flourishing.” What did they find?
- Married couples are more flourishing than those with domestic partners, divorced, or separated.
- Those who attend religious services once a week flourish more than those who go only monthly, and significantly more flourishing than those who do not attend religious services.
- People who reported good relationships with parents flourished more than those with single parents.
HHHHMMMHHM! This research study reveals what the Bible has taught for centuries — strong families, religious services, and community support. . .
Children are a gift from the Lord; they are a reward from him. Children born to a young man are like arrows in a warrior’s hands (Psalm 127:3-4).
Let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near (Hebrews 10:25).
Another interesting insight from this research study found the Philippines listed as the third most “flourishing” country in the world. Why? Not because of money but as the article reveals. . .
Even though the Philippines has less money than some other countries, people report strong family ties, spiritual lives, and community support.
I’ve been to the Philippines about 30 times and always come away impressed by the smiles and joy that I find in the country. Yes, more poverty but also stronger families and more emphasis on God! As the study summarizes. . .
One surprising result is that richer countries, including the United States and Sweden, are not flourishing as well as some others. They do well on financial stability but score lower in meaning and relationships. Having more money doesn’t always mean people are doing better in life.
We shouldn’t be surprised that this study matches the Bible’s teachings, as we are designed by God, and His Word teaches how to align our lives with godly principles of “flourishing.”
I hope we all follow this suggestion in Jeremiah 15:16a: “When I discovered your words, I devoured them. They are my joy and my heart’s delight.”
Amen to flourishing in the words of God!