Thoughts on the Abundant Life

Just another unattainable goal?

Photo by Joseph Barrientos on Unsplash

I’d finally taken some time to write an article on the theme of abundance. The submission brief required me to describe where I saw abundance in my own life. While mulling this over the word ‘thriving’ came to mind.

Questions rushed in thick and fast- Am I thriving in my marriage? In motherhood? At work? In church? In my finances? In my friendships?

The answers were mixed—yes and no—in very unequal measure. Words like abundant and thriving are uncompromising, you either are or you are not. There is no middle ground here. No line to walk, no fence to sit on.

The minutes ticked by as frustration and discouragement rose in my heart. This publication didn’t want an article highlighting my lack of abundance, so what would I write about? At that moment, the kind prompting of God's Spirit gently reminded me of Jesus’ teaching in the gospel of Luke; that my life is not made up of the abundance of my possessions.

Someone from the crowd said to him, “Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me.” “Friend,” he said to him, “who appointed me a judge or arbitrator over you?” He then told them, “Watch out and be on guard against all greed, because one’s life is not in the abundance of his possessions.”

( Luke 12:13-15 CSB )

Jesus then went on to tell the crowd a story about a rich man, who had such an abundance of wealth and resources that he had to build bigger storage for it all. He then congratulated himself on his achievements and planned to relax and enjoy it all for himself. Little did he know he would die that night and leave it all behind.

A sobering story, and a reminder for us all that whatever abundance we perceive to have is not solely for our own satisfaction and pleasure in life. Abundance that only benefits ourselves is no abundance at all. Real abundance is growing in and pursuing whatever delights the heart of God.

The reality is; I came into this world possessing nothing and for certain I will leave the same. All I have is from Him, and whatever cannot be shaken is the abundance that remains.

After further reflection I re-framed the question:

Where do I see goodness?

In the Father of lights who does not change like shifting shadows (James 1:17). He is the one who places good and perfect gifts in my life. The gift of my two children graciously entrusted into my care. The gift of marriage— helping me learn (daily) the meaning of love and faithfulness, forgiveness and the million little ways forsaking selfishness leads to peace.

I see the goodness of God in creation; sky, land, water, mountains, trees and the abundance of creatures that inhabit this world. All given by a generous, lavish Creator to enjoy and keep.

Where do I see growth?

In a growing awareness of Christ in me the hope of glory; He has put treasure in this ordinary earthen vessel. I see growth in trusting the character of God, that He is for me not against me.

Where do I see flourishing?

In my God given capacity to create, being made in the Creator's image— A meal cooked with love, writing from my heart, or thinking up new activities to spark my children’s imaginations on gloomy, rainy days inside.

In moments when I am quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to get angry. When I stop complaining and actually pray. Defying the anxiety within, trusting His love for me.

Does the abundant life exclude those who struggle in their marriages? who feel they will never be debt free? who are staggering under the weight of immense grief and loss?

No. He came to heal broken hearts and bind up wounds.

In Christ, abundance is in knowing Him. Better is one day with Him than a thousand anywhere else.

‘Israel, put your hope in the Lord. For there is faithful love with the Lord, and with him is redemption in abundance.’ ( Psalm 130:7 CSB )

January is a good time to think about where we see goodness, growth and flourishing in our lives. My word for this year (yes I love prayerfully choosing a word and a verse for the year—I can’t resist!) is Know. The verse is Hosea 6:3. I pray that we will all press on to know the Lord more in 2025, for He has promised to be with us (Matthew 28:20).

‘Let’s strive to know the Lord. His appearance is as sure as the dawn.
He will come to us like the rain,
like the spring showers that water the land.’ ( Hosea 6:3 CSB )