Living With A Lot Happy Thanksgiving

It's Thanksgiving Day in the United States.  Families gather, food is prepared and football is watched on many televisions.  It's a time to enjoy family life and to reflect on all the good things God has given us.  Jesus truly offers us a life of abundance.  Here's how it is described in the Bible by Jesus:  The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.  (John 10:10 NLT)

The word abundance leads most people to think in terms of “a lot of” something.  We think that if we have a lot of what we desire we will be happy and satisfied.  Sadly, before the sun sets on this Thanksgiving Day many stores will be opening their doors early for their "Black Friday" sales.  People who anticipate getting good deals can stock up on many desirable things in preparation for Christmas.  We hardly have time to give thanks for the good things around us before our hearts are pulled to trying to get even more.  Is this the abundant life Jesus is suggesting?  I don't think so.

Don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’  These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs.  Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. (Matthew 6:31-33 NLT)

The abundant life Jesus is offering us is what we truly need for satisfaction in our day-to-day living.  There’s great rest and security in knowing that we will have what we need today.  Whether it is material possessions or a great feast we often expect material things to do for us what only the blessings of a relationship with Christ can offer.  We look for comfort, for escape from problems, and for ultimate pleasure.  Things always disappoint. A life of true abundance can only be experienced and enjoyed when we know that God will care for us today and every day in very specific ways.  Our daily needs matter to God.

And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others.  (2 Corinthians 9:8 NLT)

Let’s seek to know and live for what is on God's heart today and finally enjoy the abundant life.   No matter what country we live in, let's give thanks today and pray, "God, give me the correct perspective on the abundant life that you offer so that I may enjoy it to the full".

©2014 Partners in Hope