What Is an Abundant Life?
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Abundance is something that we all hope for. But most of us can’t even imagine living with such confidence that we have more than we need for every good thing. As humans, we are prone to worry about every detail of our lives, making security something we are always striving for but never seem to obtain. Even when we have extra it often never feels like it’s quite enough.
Abundance is the opposite of scarcity, anxiety, fear, uncertainty, and suffering. When we have an abundant life, we feel well cared for. We know our needs will be met. We can give freely because we are not afraid that there won’t be enough left for us!
When we realize how much God loves us and that his love is a good and generous love, we should be changed. Accepting God’s love and invitation to live a God-sized life means that we take steps of faithful obedience that may seem wild to those around us, but feel just right for us. We can take the road less traveled, the one that Jesus walked, because we have such confidence in God’s goodness that our faith has the power to overcome our propensity to live in fear.
Abundance means we can pray bold prayers! Matthew 7:7 says, “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.” Our God desires to care for us. His Word tells us to ask because he is there ready to give us everything we need for every season life brings. What do you need today? Bring this need to the Lord.
A life that aspires to bring Heaven’s goodness down to Earth is a generous one. We can give freely because we know that there is no day that God will not be able to care for us. Luke 6:38 promises, “Give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you.” In God’s kingdom, we live with the understanding that we are just a vessel that he fills. As we give of ourselves, he promises to refill us in a way that makes even more space in us for good gifts.
An abundant life is one that reflects Jesus. It means that what we produce looks like love, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, and self-control. An abundant life doesn't look like the world’s definition of success. It’s not about being rich, famous, beautiful, or powerful. It’s having peace, being willing to serve, having humility, and having wisdom as your guide. Abundance does not mean an easy life, but it’s a life that is overflowing with God’s love. It’s a holy confidence that through Christ who gives us strength we can do all things (Philippians 3:19)!
Photo credit: ©Getty Images/Mint Images - Tim Robbins
