It has become ever more my conviction that the way to live well is to choose not chase.

Paul the apostle prayed for the Philippians that befits our 21st century need.

Read it in full, but focus on the “so”.

So statements are so important.

A so statement reveals the outcome.

“And this I pray: that your love may abound yet more and more and extend to its fullest development in knowledge and all keen insight [that your love may display itself in greater depth of acquaintance and more comprehensive discernment]…

So

…that you may surely learn to sense what is vital, and approve and prize what is excellent and of real value [recognizing the highest and the best, and distinguishing the moral differences], and that you may be untainted and pure and unerring and blameless [so that with hearts sincere and certain and unsullied, you may approach] the day of Christ [not stumbling nor causing others to stumble].” (Philippians 1:9–10 AMP)

Paul prayed that their love, knowledge, and insight would abound, with the intent that they would see and learn to prize what is of real value.

There are a lot of cheap, empty cul-de-sacs you can chase.

Ambitions born in desperation that lead you down a merry go round… and round… and round.

Or there’s a path of peace that leads to prosperity of soul.

Finding that pathway comes as we focus on learning to love and care for others. And with it will come a deeper acquaintance with God and His ways, knowledge of His precise purposes befitting your personality, and keen insight into how to use your gifts to benefit the world.

Keen “in sight” is seeing inwardly the things that God is saying.

So…

Listen.

Carefully and consistently.

Shut out the noise and stop running here, there, and everywhere.

In the stillness

Focus your attention.

And hear Him speak.