The Abundant Life: MEANING, Reaping, and Keeping-Part 1

Last week we dug a little deeper into the meaning of Jesus’ promise: I came to give you life more abundantly I hope you did a little of your own study or at least meditating on John 10:10 and its context.

If we want this full life, we need to know Jesus’ meaning of the abundant life. Our perception is often different from God’s.

**This is what I used to think the abundant life meant:**

No more pain, sorrow, suffering; perfect health.
Getting all I desired.
Always feeling joy and peace
No one would sin against me
No more relational problems; peace in my home, work, church, and with extended family members
The evil in this world wouldn’t touch me

**This is what I now believe living the abundant life means:**

Having true joy even in the midst of suffering
Enjoying sweet fellowship in an ever-increasing manner with my Savior
Knowing that I am pleasing God and in right standing with Him
Knowing that I am fully forgiven of all my sins and being able to forgive others
An ever-increasing sense of God’s presence and all of who He is
Experiencing the power of God in and through my life
Seeing answered prayers (mine and others)
Being able to recognize God’s handiwork and intervention
Enjoying all that life has to offer without it interfering with my relationship with God (i.e. that nothing would come before my Lord)
Being able to say no to temptation
Freedom from the bondage of my emotions, especially worthlessness, fear, and inadequacy
Knowing that all my needs are met—especially that I am loved and cherished
Having my soul at peace and rest no matter the circumstances; knowing God’s got this under control
Being able to relax and not get so stressed out when I have so much to do
The ability to face problems, instead of avoiding them; responding in a godly way to all of life’s circumstances
Knowing justice will be done
Having wisdom and discernment to make right decisions
Knowing that God is protecting me from Satan, others, and myself
Knowing that my life is significant; that I have a purpose and making an eternal impact for God’s kingdom
Having a sense of belonging to God and to His family
Having a hope that is an anchor for my soul, firm and secure
Living life with excitement and great anticipation of what God will do next
Knowing there will be great rewards ahead; that all the effort and cost will be worth it
A sense of well-being, completeness and wholeness.

I know—it’s a long list (and I even shortened it significantly!), but I think it is good to get specific and not just think in vague generalities.

I certainly have not attained all that Jesus promised, but I am in an ever-increasing manner—provided I strive to live God’s way. Next time I will discuss how to attain it.

In a nutshell the abundant life meaning is:

Joy despite suffering, pain, and sorrow
Peace in the middle of turmoil
Love in the midst of hate
Forgiveness despite wrongdoing
Security in the face of the unknown.
Confidence in the face of inadequacy.
Quietness of heart in the busyness of life.
Living on a higher plane—above our circumstances, not under them
Being content despite apparent lack
Oneness with God.

It’s having a sense of wellbeing and wholeness; knowing all our needs, spiritual and physical, are being or will be met—no matter the circumstances.

The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.(1 Tim 1:14)

Until next time, my friends, meditate on these wonderful truths and start right now to experience His abundance. Click here for more abundant life Scriptures in the event that I have awakened your appetite!

Young boy: Photo by Ben White on Unsplash