Do you ever feel like something is missing? Or that you are missing out on something in your life? I guess all of us at times feel like there has got to be more than the humdrum, everyday common chores and jobs and existence. Like, oh, so boring! Like there is no getting out of the rut you are in? At least, some people feel they are in a rut; I used to feel like that, but no more. Not since I have tried to put the Lord first in my life and am trying to please Him as best I can. I am not bragging on myself, I'm bragging on the Lord for changing my heart and my attitude. So that nagging feeling you have that something is missing could be the abundant life that Jesus promised us, His followers.
What is this abundant life? It is to live life to the full in faith in Jesus Christ. It is to have a close, personal and intimate relationship with God through Jesus, our Savior.
"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." - Jesus speaking at John 10:10 (KJV)
Jesus is referring to abundant life from a heavenly viewpoint, not an earthly one. Some people read the above verse and think of a prosperous life, or one filled with prestige and power on this earth. Not so ! Remember that Jesus Himself was poor and meek while on this earth; there is no guarantee that Christians will be rich and powerful, although some of them are just that.
An abundant life is one that is heavenly or spiritually abundant. Christians have the Holy Spirit; how abundant is that !! They have the love and protection of God and Jesus and the hope of eternal life; how awesome !! And what a comfort to the soul to believe and realize these truths. Material things in this world do not compare to these blessings of abundant life from a heavenly perspective. This reminds me of the apostle Paul who had many hardships after being converted to Christianity, yet he truly had an abundant life in Christ.
"I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." - Paul at Philippians 14:12-13.
I went through an extremely difficult time for a few years, and that verse 13 of Philippians 14 helped see me through as I repeated it over and over, "I can do all things through Christ Who strengthens me." There were other verses as well, but that one helped the most and kept me hanging on.
The word "abundant" in the Greek is "perisson", meaning "exceedingly, very highly, superfluous, beyond measure.......". Only Jesus could promise us a life like that. This brings to my mind the Scripture found at 1 Corinthians 2:9, "But as it is written, eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love Him." The apostle Paul also says, "Now unto Him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us." - Ephesians 3:20
These Scriptures are very encouraging and give us something to hope for and to look forward to. Goodness knows we need that in this chaotic world in which we live; these last days that now have the threat of World War Three looming ever closer, not to mention all the immorality and the certain collapse of the world's economies. But if you are familiar with Bible prophecy and are a true believer, you know there is hope for you with a bright future..... an eternal future with the Lord. You will not panic, and you will still have a peace in your soul that is from God. True peace, love, joy, and more are given to us by the Holy Spirit which sealed us at the time of our salvation and will see us through all the turmoil. (Galatians 5:22-23).
"I have a great need for Christ, I have a great Christ for my need." - Charles Spurgeon
Someone once said, "If the outlook is dark, try the uplook." Look to Jesus for deliverance and protection. Faith can work miracles in a person's life and in his attitudes. To God be all the glory!
Following is a sermon by Adrian Rogers on the abundant life.
"If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth." - Colossians 3:1-2
