Some days the worldly issues just get to me more than other’s. Last week I decided I needed to pick myself up. I shared with you that we put up our Christmas tree and I am loving the constant reminder of Jesus! I continue to listen to my praise and worship and Rod Stewart's music that reminds me of my Dad - feel good music. For years, I have talked out loud to god when I am home alone. I say a lot of, "I trust You, God!" I sit outside a lot and just be still which is a therapy session in itself. I really do have so much to celebrate! The gift of salvation should be enough but look at all of the other blessings He has bestowed on us! Let's count our blessings. 2020 is not going to steal my joy!
I believe if 2020 was a scripture verse it would be John 10: 10, "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy.." and stop right there. BUT, the verse continues, "I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." We have a choice. We can follow Satan who hates us and has a horrible plan for us life. He is sneaky and deceiving but wants to steal, kill and destroy. God loves us and has a plan for each of us. God loves you and has a wonderful plan for your life. Jeremiah 29: 11, "For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
We are told, again, in John 10: 8-10, "All who have come before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep have not listened to them. I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. They will come in and go out, and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." I like the quote, "Medical science seeks to add years to our lives, but only Jesus can add life to our years." I have lived my way and I have lived God's way. When I decided to let God guide my life, I had a lot less stress. Oh, I still have tough times, but even during those tough circumstances I can have an all-knowing joy that God is in control. I cannot mess up when I am holding His hand!
You know people who have the house, the car, the spouse, and the kids. They have the best career and lots of money in the bank. To the outside world it looks like they have an abundant life! But, you know something is still lacking. They want more. They are trying to fill that hole in their heart with material possessions, fame, popularity, accomplishments, etc. God isn't saying He will give us possessions to make our life more full. He wants us to have the best life in a broken world. He wants us to take on His character so we are satisfied through Him. Even if our lives are falling apart all around us, we can still have an abundant life. Our abundant life is a state of being, not due to our outside circumstances. When we are going through a crisis, what is most important? Our stuff, fear and anxiousness or peace? We cannot put a price tag on the fruits of the spirit; love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness, and self-control.
God made us to be thirsty and to want more....more of Him. We were made to long for Him.
Psalm 63: 1, "You, God, are my God, earnestly I seek you; I thirst for you, my whole being longs for you, in a dry and parched land where there is no water." Another verse tells us we are blessed to thirst for righteousness. Matthew 5: 6, "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled." When we have Jesus in our life we have a 24/7 Counselor, Life Coach, Guide, Provider, Physician and so much more. We have so much more than we could ever imagine....even with debt, sickness, an empty bank account. Abundance is about being rich with or without money! When we have an abundant life we are content in know that God's grace is sufficient! We know that God's favor is unending! “Abundance is not something we acquire. It is something we tune into.” Wayne Dyer
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