A RECIPE FOR SUCCESS
by Rev. J. Loren Russell, BA, MDiv.
Psalm 34:1-22 (Vv. 1-3, 22) NKJV
I will bless the Lord at all times;
His praise shall continually be in my mouth.
2 My soul shall make its boast in the Lord;
The humble shall hear of it and be glad.
3 Oh, magnify the Lord with me,22 And let us exalt His name together.
The Lord redeems the soul of His servants,
And none of those who trust in Him shall be condemned.
Success is something that everyone talks about. It is the goal of every man, woman, boy and girl in virtually every area of their life. Nobody dreams of being a failure. Everyone wants success in their lives. But what is success? Is it the acquisition of or the accumulation of things? That tends to be the most common definition of success, but I doubt is the most accurate. This is a psalm that tells the story of David who writes when he was running for his life from Abimelech while he hides in caves. In this psalm is a formula for success. I am going to begin examining this formula, then complete it next week. Please read the entire 34 Psalm. You will need it in order to keep up.
Webster’s dictionary says that success is “degree or measure of succeeding; a favorable termination of a venture; The attainment of wealth, favor, or eminence; one that succeeds.” However, in the very beginning of this Psalm, David shares the victory shout before he even details the steps. “I will bless the Lord at all times. His praise shall continually be in my mouth.” This is a much grander and lofty state than mere wealth or favor or eminence can produce. So let me cut to the chase. The basic ingredients that David pens are:
- Bless the Lord at all times
- Keep His praises in your life
- Don’t be ashamed of your relationship with Christ
- Tears are not just for women!
- Fear God!
Once you’ve put these basic ingredients in, you can take a little sample, “Oh, taste and see that the Lord is GOOD!” Stick your spoon in and get a quick taste. You will find that the you have never tasted anything as good as the goodness of God! Stir it up so that the ingredients get all through your life. It will bless you and make you a blessing to others. But you’re not done yet. There are some other ingredients that are needed in this success formula. Verse 9 says that you need to seek and to fear Him. You will find Him when you seek Him with all your heart. To fear is to honor, obey and worship Him.
He says that through his fears and through his circumstances, the Lord has made him radiant, saved his soul camped angles around him to make sure that he is strong. In spite of his circumstances, David declares that he will bless the Lord at all times. His praise will continue to be in his mouth. Circumstances do not determine success!
Rev. J. Loren Russell, BS, MDiv is President/CEO of The JLR Company, and an associate minister at both Goodwill and Greater Universal Baptist Churches in the Bronx and hosts “Matters of Faith – The Radio Show” on Soul 1 Radio (internet), Mondays 8:00 – 10:00 PM. http://tobtr.com/s/7436671, or by phone at 626-226-1448. Note: You don’t have to talk, but you can access the show by calling in.
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