Rethinking Prosperity: Insights for a Joyful New Year

Why True Wealth Goes Beyond Bank Accounts and Possessions

Growing up I learned the holiday song Feliz Navidad in elementary school. And throughout my life during the Christmas season I often said to my Latino/Latina friends, Feliz Navidad, próspero año y felicidad, translated: Merry Christmas and a happy and prosperous new year. It is a blessing that we all embrace - to be prosperous and happy. As we step into this new year, many of us are reflecting on what it means to live a prosperous life. The world often tells us that prosperity is measured by bank accounts, possessions, or professional achievements. But is that the kind of prosperity we truly long for?

The Bible offers us a richer, deeper view of prosperity—one rooted in wisdom. Proverbs 3:13-14 says:
"Blessed is the one who finds wisdom, and the one who gets understanding, for the gain from her is better than gain from silver and her profit better than gold."

True prosperity begins with wisdom: the ability to see life through God’s lens and make choices aligned with His truth. Wisdom guides us to:

• Build meaningful relationships.

• Pursue a life of purpose.

• Steward our time, talents, and resources well.

• Experience peace that surpasses circumstances.

In essence, wisdom leads to shalom—the completeness and flourishing that God desires for us.

Photo by Robert Collins on Unsplash

What Does This Look Like in the New Year?

1. Seek God First
   Start each day by aligning your heart with God through prayer and reflection. Jesus reminds us in Matthew 6:33, "Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you."

2. Prioritize Growth
   Commit to learning and growing—spiritually, emotionally, and intellectually. Read Scripture, study, and surround yourself with wise, encouraging people.

3. Redefine Success
   This year, let’s measure success not by what we acquire but by how we grow, how we give, and how we glorify God through our lives.

4. Steward Your Blessings
   Whatever resources you have—time, talents, finances—use them to bless others. Generosity is a sign of true prosperity.

As we embrace wisdom, we position ourselves for the kind of prosperity that lasts, bringing joy, peace, and purpose into every corner of our lives.

Let’s walk in wisdom together this year and experience the fullness of life that God intended. That’s true prosperity.

Let Us Pray

Father God Almighty, I pray that everyone reading this post walks in true prosperity—not in the accumulation of material wealth, but in the abundance of Your wisdom. Your Word assures us that if anyone lacks wisdom, we can ask You, and You will give it generously.

Lord, Your wisdom is pure, peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy, good fruit, impartial, and sincere. True prosperity arises when Your principles bring order, peace, and fruitfulness to every area of our lives.

I pray that each reader understands that Your wisdom equips them to steward their resources well, whether they are great or small. May they walk in the knowledge that wisdom is the foundation of making God-honoring decisions, leading to prosperity in relationships, health, finances, and spiritual growth.

I ask all these things in Your mighty and powerful name, in the name of Jesus. Amen.