Pastor Tricia's Ramblings

In today’s fast-paced world, many of us may feel like we are merely surviving rather than truly living. Despite our busy schedules, we often find ourselves yearning for more than just getting through the day. As believers, we aim for a victorious, overflowing life—an abundant life that Jesus Himself came to give us. In John 10:10, the scripture tells us, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” This highlights the essence of the motivation behind our walk with Christ. But what does it mean to live abundantly, and how can we align our desires with God’s will?

Surviving vs. Thriving

Many Christians find themselves content with mere survival, content to go through the motions of life. We may find ourselves relegating our faith to just a few hours on Sunday and rehearsed prayers. However, what God desires for us is a genuine, overflowing life that is marked by joy, victory, and purpose. Living abundantly requires more than acknowledging our faith; it requires heartfelt surrender. It demands us to earnestly seek a relationship with our Creator, aspiring for more than mediocrity in our spiritual lives.
Consider Psalms 84:10, which states, “For a day in Your courts is better than a thousand elsewhere.” This verse encapsulates the idea that even a lowly position in God’s presence is far more valuable than the most prestigious seat in the world. The psalmist emphasizes the intimacy of relationship with “my God,” reflecting a deep personal connection. This implies that God is not just an abstract deity, but a personal being with whom we can engage and know intimately.

The Invitation to Surrender

Our walk towards abundance begins when we arrive at the place of surrender. It is a radical choice that allows us to recognize that nothing in this world compares to being in the presence of God. When we make that choice, our perspective changes. We gradually come to understand that our small acts of service are part of a larger narrative—a narrative of relationship, purpose, and identity.
When we meditate on God’s Word, we can grasp the truth of His character. The more we read and reflect, the more we discover who we are and whose we are. The scriptures reveal that we are made in the image of God, bestowed with purpose and calling (Genesis 1:27). When we comprehend our identity as His children, we can shift our focus from our temporary desires to what God genuinely seeks for us.

The Promise of Desires Fulfilled

When we delight ourselves in the Lord, Psalms 37:4 assures us that He will give us the desires of our hearts. Often, this passage can be misinterpreted. It may seem as though God is a cosmic vending machine that simply dishes out blessings when we ask for them. However, the deeper truth is that the more we spend time in God’s presence and cultivate a heart aligned with Him, our desires begin to shift.
Think of a parent-child relationship: we often withhold certain things from our children for their own good. God operates in the same way. He understands what is genuinely beneficial for us and what aligns with His will. As we draw closer to Him, our desires start to morph. We begin to want what He wants for us. The more we delight in Him, the more our hearts will reflect His desires. It’s a transformative process that reshapes our understanding of life.

Examples of Abundant Life

To illustrate this journey of aligning desires, consider the story of a man named John, who pursued wealth and success above all else. His life was centered around climbing the corporate ladder, believing that status and material possessions would bring him fulfillment. However, during a difficult season, he was forced to pause and reevaluate where he found true happiness.
John started attending a local church and was encouraged to read the Bible and engage in prayer. As he devoted time to understanding God’s Word, he realized that true abundance does not stem from material wealth but from deep-rooted joy, found in service and community. He began to volunteer, use his business skills to mentor others, and share wisdom that not only enriched him but also impacted those around him. John was transformed, his desires had aligned with God’s, and he found lasting joy.

Cultivating Relationship with God

Ultimately, the journey towards an abundant life is an individual one, and it requires commitment. We must cultivate our relationship with God, actively seek Him, and delight ourselves in His presence. Engaging in spiritual disciplines like prayer, worship, and studying scripture are essential parts of this process.
Imagine taking the time each day to sit in silence, reflecting on God’s goodness, and asking for His desires to take root in your heart. This is what it means to surrender—to step away from distractions and prioritize your relationship with God.

Conclusion: The Quest for Abundance

In closing, God invites us to an abundant life filled with purpose and joy that surpasses worldly standards. He wants us not merely to survive but to thrive. As we surrender our hearts and our desires to Him, we begin to live in alignment with His will.
Our desires will change, leading us to seek what truly fulfills our hearts and souls. Remembering the words of John 10:10, we can confidently pursue the life God has in store for us—a life of abundance that comes from Him. As we take the first step towards His feet, we are echoing the sentiment of Psalms 84:10 and embracing the beautiful relationship He offers. Are you ready to step into this journey? Seek Him, delight in Him, and watch as He reveals His desires for you and fills your life with abundance.