God’s Word tells us that He has come to give us abundant life. (John 10:10 KJV) says The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. Many of us see the word “abundance,” and our thoughts go immediately to financial wealth, position, and power. Believers often wonder why they are stuck in a rut, worried about their jobs, money, family matters, and persistent health issues. So, where’s this abundant life God speaks of in His Word? There is a whole other meaning to God’s message of abundance. God offers an abundance of joy, peace, comfort, and love.
I know your next question—so why am I still in this rut of worry, constantly focused on all I don’t have? It’s just that! Instead, you are constantly focused on what you lack, and feeding that dissatisfaction only strengthens it. I speak from personal experience. I was also consumed by a life I wanted but did not have. I was so determined to fix things, to do it myself, that I stood in the way of God being able to work wonders in my life. Instead of surrendering my whole heart to God and living His plan for my life, I tried to fit God into my plan.
Most days I woke up expecting more of the same old fight to better my life. In my heart I knew I didn’t deserve God’s love. I didn’t understand that none deserve God’s love, and when we expect defeat and failure, we usually fulfill our expectations. As much as having negative expectations, I also feared the changes that I knew would come if I were to surrender my heart to God totally. I’m not going to lie; when I finally let go and gave everything to God, there were some significant challenges. However, we faced them together—God and me. He held my hand, spoke to me gently, and led me into a life of abundance.
I wish I could say that once I let go and let God, everything was roses and lollipops—but not so much. Just as it does to build a meaningful relationship with another person, it takes time to get intimate with God. I had to listen, believe and trust in His promises and not rush His plan for my life. I had to believe that God loved me despite my sins and then let go of all the guilt and doubt the enemy put in my head. As many times as I had read that verse about God giving me an abundant life, what I failed to consider was the purpose of the enemy. The closer I got to God, the more the enemy’s lies tried to steal my happiness and create anxiety, depression, and frustration. Still, God never left me to fight these battles alone. He was there in my darkest times to lead me into His light.
Once we realize that we don’t have to be a slave to all the worldly things that we previously thought made up an abundant life, we can be free to enjoy all God’s blessings. All along, I wasn’t chasing things, I didn’t necessarily want things, I wanted freedom from my dissatisfaction. God tells us in (Galatians 5:1 NIV) it is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. When you seek God above everything and everyone else, He puts new desires in your heart, like the desire to please and serve Him and others. God takes care of all my needs; I am free to live an abundant life in Him.
Understanding God’s character, knowing how much He loves me and realizing He is always with me—well, my friend, that’s abundance beyond measure. No matter what the enemy brings my way, God is on the front line leading me to victory. He goes before me to prepare the way. Instead of worrying about my life’s direction, I know I am exactly where God wants me to be because I hear His voice, listen to His direction, and follow His lead.
What about you? Sure, you might be a believer in your mind, but what about your heart? I say, follow your heart! What are you doing that might be limiting God’s power in your life? Are you ready to be free, to totally surrender your heart to God? Remember when I said, we get what we expect? Well, here’s the exciting thing. With God’s love filling your heart, expect great things. Expect a life of abundance!