Abundant Life

Scripture

I have come that they might have life and have it more abundantly. -John 10:10 

The same Spirit of God that raised Jesus to life is the same Spirit that lives in every believer. We must understand our position now that we are children of the Most High God. We have been given life more abundantly because the Spirit of God has put to death the old man in us. It's the benefit of being fully accepted by God. We are a new creation in Christ, which means we have been given a new identity whose values and desires align with God's. The result for us is an abundant life. So, Jesus came that we would have His life and the benefits it brings. 

So, Beloved, what is an abundant life? It's a life overflowing with God's love, peace, and joy. It's a life characterized by a deep relationship with the Father. It's not necessarily a life filled with material wealth and possessions. These things are often by-products of an abundant life. However, when a child of God is living an abundant life, it extends far beyond superficial pleasures. Life presents trials and loss, and if our lives are rooted in material possessions, then we'll never experience joy. The abundant life that Jesus gives is not a life free from trials, but a life where we experience God's presence and still feel joy in the midst of difficult circumstances. Hardships won't determine the joy and peace we feel in the Lord as we live the abundant life. 

We experience and maintain an abundant life in Christ when we continually seek God's presence. We position our lives towards Christ and fellowship with Him. We stay devoted to prayer and studying God's Word. These spiritual practices cause us to grow and mature. We set our affections on heavenly things and guard our minds against thoughts that exalt themselves against the knowledge of God. Experiencing the abundant life involves trusting in God's love and depending on Him for strength. This is how we maintain our peace and joy during trials. Finally, we experience an abundant life by submitting to God's grace as we live out His plan for our lives. We find that all things are possible. Beloved, understand that because you are a child of the King, an abundant life is available to you today. 

Prayer 

Father, thank you for being my Good Shepherd and for the promise of abundant life. Fill my heart with your love, peace, and joy, and guide my steps to live a life full of meaning and hope. Jesus, you are the Good Shepherd, and we thank you that we experience the full life you died to give us. Amen