Abundance, Not Lack

Saturday I was on the island visiting with my good friend and a friend of hers. We were talking about how her friend is currently unemployed and looking for a job. She said she is trying to remember what her mother always said, "abundance not lack." I do not know in what context her mother meant it but I really liked that saying. I always say we have a decision every day to choose joy or not. Just as important, I think we have the choice to choose abundance rather than lack.

I am reminded of when my daughter, Sarah, was about 4 and she and Dad were hanging out. Dad came to me laughing that Sarah had been talking to him about going somewhere and Dad told her he did not have enough money to do that. She was astounded! She said, "Pa, you are rich!" Dad got tickled and was trying to explain that he was not rich. Then Sarah said, "Yes you are, Pa! You have us!" Out of the mouths of babes. Dad was quickly reminded of his abundance, not lack! That was one of his favorite stories!

I think we need to remember abundance, not lack, on a daily basis. We are so blessed and we do have everything we need. Even if we do not have extra money we have everything we need. Even if we do not have our health, we have everything we need. Even if we are alone, we have everything we need! Things may not be easy but we need to focus on our blessings!

Philippians 4: 19, "And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus."

Naturally, when we think of abundance we think of possessions but the real abundance comes down from Heaven. It is an abundance of life. God can bless us materially but that can burn one day. Only the things we send ahead to Heaven will be there waiting for us. That is worth repeating. Only the things we send ahead to Heaven will be there waiting for us.

James 1: 17, "Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows." I think the good gifts that come from God are being content in whatever state we are in. Having joy! An abundant life does not always mean a long life but a full one. To have Christ in our life we have His guidance, His leading, His blessing, and His protection. He will guide us on the path of righteousness.

Most of us have the spouse, the house, the car, the kids, the career, money in the bank. We think we have it all but inside something is still lacking. Look at the wealthy in Hollywood. They have all money can buy and more but they are lacking life. Abundant life that Jesus promised. There are no words to express the calm we can have from leaning on Jesus. There are some things that can only come from God. He gives us the peace that passes all understanding. The good gifts that come from God, the abundance, should be our most treasured possession. Choose abundance, not lack.

What is your most treasured possession?