Proverbs 12:11 – “Those who work their land will have abundant food, but those who chase fantasies have no sense.”

Occasionally, I have found myself daydreaming and fantasizing about many things.  Some of those dreams were God-birthed, and some were whimsical fantasies rooted in my selfishness and desire for self-sufficiency. 

I have talked to people who have achieved greatness spiritually, academically, financially, and athletically.  Each had the same theme; hard work, consistency, determination, and faith were all key factors.  Each of them had taken the route of seeking a quick shortcut to success, and each of them experienced failure. 

A definition would be in order and the distinction between a fantasy and a dream.  There is almost no difference unless the dream is God-inspired and tied to a work ethic to bring it to fruition.  Fantasies and dreams are products of our creative minds.  We can mentally create things that may or may not be possible to reproduce in reality.  Having a vivid imagination is not a sin but must be carefully guarded and brought into submission to the Holy Spirit. 

It is critical that in our dreams which may become fantasies, there is a righteous intent behind them, and as Philippians 4:8 instructs, think on things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, and praiseworthy.  Saying that we desire it for the glory of God, the benefit of others, and the advancement of the kingdom may sound noble, but if the root of the desire is self, it may be a fantasy, not a God-given dream.

Anything rooted in or linked to greed, lust, covetousness, jealousy, pride, or arrogance would not be blessed by God and would be equal to the warning of our text and relegate us to senselessness.  Proverbs 4:23 tells us, “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.”  Luke 21:34 warns, “Be careful, or your hearts will be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness, and the anxieties of life….”

We are told in Psalm 139:1-3 – “You have searched me, Lord, and you know me.  ² You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar.  ³ You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways.”  God knows what is in our hearts and will reveal it to us.    In Psalm 94:11, we find, “The Lord knows all human plans;  He knows that they are futile.”

If you struggle with unwholesome and unhealthy fantasies that are shortcuts to success or rooted in lust, greed, envy, bitterness, pride, or anything outside the realm of God’s purposes, God wants to reveal that to you.  He wants to help you break free and pursue His purposes with diligence and through the channels He has prepared, which frequently, if not usually, require time and effort.  

God will always forgive the repentant heart and inspire dreams, not fantasies, that are birthed in heaven and set us free from evil thoughts.  God wants to Give us the Kingdom!  The wealth of the wicked is stored up for the righteous.  God owns the cattle on a thousand hills; we are His heirs. 

Beyond the financial aspect, every other dimension of life must be brought to Him, and His guidance sought.  If it is athletics, some things must be invested.  Some procedures and principles cannot be ignored or bypassed if it is business.  If it is academic, the process is time-consuming and detailed.  If it is in relationships, there are no shortcuts to perfection.  If it is relationships, time, energy, effort, and a certain level of self-effacement are required. The only shortcut in life is Jesus. However, He is not a shortcut but a pathway to fullness.

God warned me to stop chasing fantasies, do the labor He has called me to do, and trust Him for the Abundant Life He has promised!

God bless you as you enjoy this wonderful day in Jesus!