Thrive Rather Than Just Survive

SEARCHLIGHT 

What strategy do you have to finish well your life? 

SCRIPTURE 

But Barzillai answered the king, “How many more years will I live,” 2 Samuel 19:34a NIV 

Teach us to number our days that we may gain a heart of wisdom. Psalm 90:12 NIV 

SPOTLIGHT 

Someone said, “We cannot avoid growing old but we can avoid growing cold.” You cannot prevent growing old but you can choose how you grow older. Growing old is the destination but growing older is the journey. Are you going to thrive in this last quarter or are you just going to try to survive? 

Meet Barzillai who teaches you how to thrive and not just survive. Learn how to gracefully grow old. His story is marked by some wonderful characteristics. His strategy is based on: 

1. GIVING TO THE NEEDY – Compassion, generosity and kindness were in Barzillai’s God given DNA. He had provided food, clothing and necessities for David when he was running from Absalom. [2 Samuel 19:32b; 17:27-29] Barzillai was wealthy. He knew he was wealthy for a purpose. God had blessed him so he could bless others. Giving to the needy was a part of his living. 
2. STRIVING FOR TRUTH – Barzillai stood for truth and justice. [2 Samuel 19:31,32]    Absalom had corruptly seized his father’s throne and then died in battle. Barzillai knew David was God’s appointed king, not Absalom. As a result, he not only supported David with food etc. but also publicly stood with him. How?  When David began his journey back to Jerusalem to be reinstalled, Barzillai led the King across the Jordan River. By doing this, he affirmed David was God’s choice. What loyalty.  Standing for what is right was his heartfelt conviction. 
3. NO MISGIVINGS ABOUT HOW TO LIVE – Barzillai did not delude himself into thinking he was still young. He was 80 years old. [2 Samuel 19:32-36] David was so appreciative of all that Barzillai had done for him that he invited him to live in royalty in the Jerusalem palace. Barzillai politely declined this lavish privilege because he 
   1. He numbered his days as the Bible teaches. [Psalms 90:12] With a rhetorical, he asked, “How long have I to live?” [2 Samuel 19:34a] He knew he was in the final quarter. His life span was now short. He had considered life’s end and gained wisdom from God. 
   2. He knew his limitations. [2 Samuel 19:35] He was aware that he was no longer a quick, decisive, thinker. In addition, he freely admitted that he no longer could taste, hear and do what he used to do. 

Talk about clear thinking, honesty, and transparency. Barzillai had all these qualities. He had no worry, doubt, or reservations about what his future should be. What about you?  

Growing old is the destination, but growing older is the journey. Are you going to thrive in this last quarter or are you just going to survive? God wants you to thrive not just survive. God wants you to gracefully grow older as you grow old. God wants you to gain a heart of wisdom. Here are the takeaways on how to grow old gracefully from Barzillai’s life:  

1. FIND A NEED, FILL THE NEED – Embracing new experiences and challenges keeps your mind active. Become a solution to a problem. See something to do then do something you see! Be helpful. Be observant. Be kind. Give, share, and serve. 
2. LIVE OUT YOUR CONVICTIONS – If you don’t stand for something, you can fall for anything. Stand for what is true, right and just. Even if it costs you a friendship.  
3. STRIVE FOR OBJECTIVITY – Ask God for wisdom. [James 1:5] Think logically, not emotionally. Don’t focus on “ME.” Be objective by asking: “What is best for everyone?” [Philippians 2:3-8] “What can I do with the time I have left here on earth?” [Ephesians 1:16,17]     
4. ADMIT AND ACCEPT LIMITATIONS CHEERFULLY – Don’t deny you are growing old. You are not young anymore. Changes come with aging…aches, pain, physical and mental abilities. Admit you are changing. Be honest. However, if you are striving for objectivity, then you must not delude yourself into thinking you are too old to do anything meaningful. You are not ready to be put out to pasture. You do have something to offer. As long as you have a breath, God wants to use you to bless. While you are living, God wants you to be giving. If you have a pulse, God says you have a purpose! God does not give you breath to be a burden but to be a blessing while living!   
5. FAMILY IS A PRIORITY – Make family first. Barzillai turned down David’s attractive offer. Why would someone turn down the privilege of living in a palace and eating the king’s food? One of the predominant reasons was his family ties. [II Samuel 19:31-37] His closeness with his loved ones was too strong to break. Family is more important than PRESTIGE-living with a king; PALACE-luxury living, foods, accommodation; POWER-servants doing your work. Live simply like Barzillai. He was not being morbid when he told David he wanted to go home. He just wanted to go home, carry on as normal and live with family until God called him home.  
6. INVEST IN THE NEXT GENERATION – Pass the baton while you are in the relay race. Learn how to stay in the game from a different position. How? Learn how to step aside but send in a substitute. Barzillai gave his son or grandson, Kimham, a great future by asking David if he could take his place. [2 Samuel 19:37,38; 1 Kings 2:7] Impact those who are young that are around you. Leave your mark on your grandchildren. 

SOMETHING TO DO 

Take the next few days to PRAY, PONDER and PENCIL. Pray and ponder over the 6-step strategy we learn from Barzillai. Then take your pencil and begin to write down your steps to fulfill your strategy.  

SOUL TIME PRAYER 

Heavenly Father, You have created me to be a blessing for You until You take me home to be with You. Teach me how to live wisely so that I will live well. Show me daily steps to thrive rather than just survive from day to day. I want to spend my life fulfilling Your purposes. AMEN!

Tags: growth, journey, 2 samuel, destination