Abundant life is here

The other day I woke up to thoughts of what an abundant life looks like. And that same morning I found myself reading a devotional/meditation based on this scripture found in 

John 10:10, "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life and have it to the full."

From talking to different people, I know that an abundant life can mean different things for different folks. Some people believe that a full life is one with great wealth and possessions. Others believe that travel and leisure makes for an abundant life. Some others are on health kicks and longevity. And I'd agree that these are all great things to have and claim. However, from reading scripture and my own experiences in life, I have come to my conclusion about a full and abundant life.  

First of all, a full life, an abundant life is here now. While others are longing for it as if it is something that we need to work hard for and possibly unattainable, I know for a fact that a full life is not only attainable, but it is here for us today. Now. You do not have to wait for it or plan for it or hope for it. You can simply live it today. It does not need to be a thing of future goals like many make it seem. I hear people say things like, "when we retire, we will go do this or that" "when I get married, I will live happily ever after" "when I buy the dream house" "when I get my dream car". When.... (you can fill in the blank). But take it from a girl who at a young age lived by very unlofty means and a young woman who knew to study and achieve an education and a mature woman who loves to travel and explore adventures. Take it from me, today life is full because for me life's abundance is truly found in perspective and dependence on a higher being that has proven to be faithful and dependable. Understanding God's faithfulness creates in me a daily wonder for what the day will bring. Every new day comes with new mercies and beauty to receive and admire. Even if it's the little things, I can enjoy life to the fullest without a wanting for something bigger later on. The blue jay I spotted in my backyard, the hawk that flew over my house, and the flock in form that flew across the sky on my drive this morning. Creation brings a smile to my face and fills my heart with simple joys; therefore, making today a "full" day.

What if I told you that an abundant life equates to freedom. To some it may look like financial freedom. But financial freedom does not take away the imbedded things and emotions that bind us and keep us from freely enjoying an abundant life. Some of us go through life searching for all sorts of monetary things and experiences in hopes to fill a void that can only be filled when we are healed and free of things that bind us. Freedom from past hurts and mistakes, freedom from shame and guilt, freedom from fears and anxieties, freedom from codependency and people pleasing, freedom from grudges and bitterness, freedom from hate and animosity. This type of freedom allows us to live abundantly. The abundant life is one in which you are free of all the things that bring you down and cause you strife.  You can fake a happy life.  You can even believe you have a happy life, but if you are holding on to the past and things you can't control, you do not have a genuine and abundant life. For me, the freedom comes when I acknowledge that I cannot attain this kind of life without a full surrender to God and His will for me. When I surrender all the things that hold me back and I make a decision to go deeper in my faith and walk with God, that is precisely when I begin living a full life. In essence, that full life is the one God intended for me all along. And it is a life of freedom!

The abundant life is a life of peace. Not peace like nobody bothers you, but peace like you are certain that the God of the universe loves you so much that He will always be there for you, with you, and provide for your every need. A lot of people have a love hate relationship with God because they can't wrap their minds around the fact that He would allow bad things to happen to good people. And even worse, seemingly good things happen to bad people. The truth is that the creator of the universe has never promised anyone of us a free ride without any troubles in life. There is no carefree life. And there is not one of us who actually deserves it. Not one of us is worthy of a trouble-free life. If you are up today, be certain that you will be down at some time in the near future. The book of Proverbs details that there is a set time for everything under the sun. Good times and bad times. But there is plenty to be found in scripture about the indescribable peace that comes from God throughout and in spite of all our earthly troubles. He promises us time and time again to be with us, to care for us, to heal us, to provide for us during life's trials, uncertainties, and sufferings. And when we start to accept this and believe it, we can begin to experience peace. Hence, even when there is chaos around us, we experience peace. There is no price tag on this type of peace, and it makes for an abundant life. 

So my friends, I encourage you to take a pause today. Like literally, stop what you are doing, and acknowledge the little things that bring a smile to your face and warm your heart. Accept these as abundance to your life today. 

And if you are feeling weighed down by things of the past or things you cannot control, take a moment and surrender them to God, your maker. Ask Him to help you go deeper in your faith in Him. Hold out your hand and let His guide you into freedom.

Lastly, I implore with you to stop arguing with God or the universe about all things that seem unfair and not right. Instead, take a minute to ponder on His promises. And receive the peace that makes no sense in times of troubles. Welcome this peace that you simply cannot buy, but it is free to you today. Sleep well today my friend, knowing the God of the universe is holding it all together. He won't slumber or forget you. And this makes for an abundant life!