Abundance is something we all want more of. Whether you’re living paycheck to paycheck or are enjoying summer on a yacht, we all want more. More time, more freedom, more money, more peace, more friends, more laughter, more joy…
I could go on. But the thing is, abundance is already all around us. Because God’s love, provision, and attention are never ever in short supply, we can have an abundance mindset, too.
Jesus certainly lived this way and saw the world this way. As this episode of the Bible Project on generosity points out, Jesus saw the world as being provided for by an abundant host, God our Father. We are his guests, and like every flower and bird in this world, our needs will be taken care of, too.
But when we look at our schedules, bank accounts, news apps, and relationships, scarcity is so much easier to see.
So how can we become more like Jesus and see the abundance of this world as he did? Here are four ways how.
1. Pay Attention to the Abundance You Already See
The more you pay attention to the good in your life, the more you will see. This isn’t just brain science. It’s biblical:
Philippians 4:8-9: “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.
Psalm 18:25-26: “To the faithful you show yourself faithful,to the blameless you show yourself blameless, to the pure you show yourself pure, but to the devious you show yourself shrewd.”
Your worldview directly impacts how you see God show up in your life!
When you think of abundance, you might think of material things or ease of life. But what about the abundance of oxygen you breathe every day? God knows you need it, and out of his own breath provides (Genesis 2:7).
Or what about the abundance of solid ground under your feet? Or the abundance of pleasant sensations you feel on a daily basis? Or the abundance of beauty you see in nature?
Even if “nothing” positive is happening for you personally, there is still so much abundance all around you.
One practical way to pay more attention is to keep a gratitude journal. It’s a common suggestion but a life-changing one!
2. Be Generous
Put God’s abundance to the test by being generous. By giving to someone in need, you start the cycle of abundance. You bring heaven to earth, creating God’s kingdom here–and God has the opportunity to come through for you, too.
Generosity can take the form of money, of course. But you can also be generous with your time, wisdom, effort, or talent. Ask the Holy Spirit to put something on your heart, and take the leap of faith to give first.
When you see that you really do have resources to give, not only will you see more abundance in your life already, but you’re giving God opportunities to give you more abundance, too, because you trust in him.
“Give, and it will be given to you” (Luke 6:38).
3. Keep Tabs on God’s Daily Surprises
Something that has the potential to bring you a ton of joy is keeping a daily list of ways that God has pleasantly surprised you.
At the end of the day, think through things like:
- Situations that went better than expected
- An unexpected sweet phone call, message, or conversation
- An especially good meal, shower, or workout
- Prayers that you see God answering
The more you see that good things can happen unexpectedly–not just bad things–you can anticipate God’s blessings and be on the lookout for them. This creates an infinitely satisfying feedback loop–the more you see God’s abundance in your days, the more you will look for them, and therefore the more you’ll see!
4. Praise God for the Answered Prayers You’re Living in Now
We are so quick to forget all of the prayers that God has already answered. By the time we’re in our new dream job, we’re already praying for a better apartment. And then, once we’re in that apartment, we’re praying for a husband. And as soon as the wedding bells ring, we’re praying for a nicer car for the future kids. And on and on and on.
Our desires aren’t wrong–they can just be extremely distracting from the abundance that is already in front of us. By taking some intentional time to worship God for what he already has done in your life, you’ll widen your view of the abundance you’re already experiencing and also have your faith strengthened for what God can do in your future.
We can simultaneously experience God’s abundance here on earth while we look forward to the abundance of heaven!
“And the one sitting on the throne said, ‘Look, I am making everything new!’” – Revelation 21:5, NLT
The views expressed in this commentary do not necessarily reflect those of Christian Headlines.
Photo courtesy: ©Getty Images/Jurkos
The views expressed in this commentary do not necessarily reflect those of CrosswalkHeadlines.
Kelly-Jayne McGlynn is a former editor at Crosswalk.com. She sees the act of expression, whether through writing or art, as a way to co-create with God and experience him deeper. Check out her handmade earrings on Instagram and her website for more of her thoughts on connecting with God through creative endeavors.
