Like Solomon, you can seek the good life in education, pleasure, possessions, accomplishments, wisdom and hard work but miss out on enjoying what you have (Eccl. 1:12-2:26). I thought a college education would be my ticket to happiness. Then my first job. When none of those worked, surely a four-bedroom, Colonial, two-story house in a nice neighborhood would allow my family to experience the good life. I lost my job and had to sell it at a loss. God showed me that life isn’t found externally or in abundance of possessions (Lk. 12:15). God initiated a training program so Jacob could overcome bad habits preventing him and all of us from experiencing the good life.
After a safe trip to find his mother’s relatives, Jacob met Rachel, kissed her and wept. He told her that he was Rebekah’s son. Rachel ran and told her father, Laban, Jacob’s uncle (Gen. 29:1-13).
Jacob stayed with Laban one month. Laban asked what his wages should be. Jacob’s love for Rachel motivated him to ask that he serve seven years for his daughter. Laban said, “It is better I give her to you than another man.” Jacob served seven years, which seemed like a few days because of his love for Rachel (Gen. 29:14-20).
Laban deceived Jacob by giving him his older daughter, Leah, instead of Rachel. Jacob discovered the deception when he had sexual relations with her after a feast. Laban then asked Jacob to serve another seven years before he could marry Rachel. The Lord saw Leah was unloved and opened her womb, while Rachel was barren. Leah bore four sons with significant meanings to their names:
1. Reuben: Lord saw my affliction and husband will love me
2. Simeon: Lord heard I am unloved
3. Levi: Husband will become attached to me
4. Judah: This time I will praise the Lord. Then Leah stopped bearing children (Gen. 29:21-35).
Family trials are designed to draw you closer to God so you can cleave to and praise Him. The degree you enjoy life will be in direct proportion on how you treat others. Jacob violated 1 Pet. 3:10-11, which commands those who desire to love life and see good days to refrain from evil and speaking guile. He deceived his older brother, Esau, by buying his birthright for a single meal. He also deceived his father, Isaac, by pretending to be Esau so he could receive the double blessing as the oldest son.
Leah, in contrast, submitted to her disobedient husband, Jacob, and experienced the good life because the Lord was attentive to her prayer in bearing four sons (Gen. 29:31; 1 Pet. 3:1-12).
Confess any deceptive or dishonest speech as it will hinder you from experiencing the good life.
