The Good Life and How to Obtain it

My dictionary defines The Good Life as “(1.) a life of luxury, pleasure, and material comfort or (2.) a way of living that is moral, satisfying, and worthwhile.”

These two definitions differ, and their applications can oppose each other. For example, someone viewing the good life only in terms of material comfort might not be too concerned with moral living. On the other hand, someone focusing heavily on moral living might be overly fearful of luxury and pleasure. Most people would agree that we should balance all aspects of the good life. So, the better question is how to obtain this balance, especially in a world which is constantly promoting “luxury, pleasure and material comfort.”

The following verses of Psalm 34 provide answers:

4) I sought the Lord, and … he delivered me from all my fears.

5) Those who look to him are radiant… never covered with shame.

9) … those who fear (God) lack for nothing.

10) … those who seek the Lord lack no good thing.

17) The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles.

Per this psalm, the good life is when we lack nothing- at least no good thing- and when we are delivered from fear, troubles, and shame.

To obtain the good life, we must look to the Lord; fear (respect) Him; and cry out to Him in times of trouble. He is standing by for our prayers.