What IS Abundance? by Teresa Deitch

What do you think of when you heard the word “abundance”? Do you think of an abundant amount of money or financial security? Do you think of having an abundance of food, clothes, or things? Earlier this year I was struggling with this concept and Pastor Mike suggested that I do a study in the Bible of the word “abundance.”  It led to some interesting insights.

• Biblical abundance is the opposite of “worldy” abundance. Big surprise, right? Like so many things in our culture, the Bible’s definition is polar opposites of the world’s definition. The Bible describes abundance as something you cannot buy, attain, or strive toward. Like grace, abundance is a gift from God. It’s part of his daily portion for us. He will provide as we trust in His sovereignty and goodness. NOW keep in mind… His version of what we “need” and our version of what we “need” may not align. Again, we are clouded by our flesh and sin, so that makes sense. Yet, when we walk in His righteousness we can accept that He knows best. And trust that what He will provide abundantly.
• Biblical abundance can look like poverty. I had the privilege of serving on our New York mission team last summer. Here’s this little, falling-apart church in the middle of big, rich Manhattan. It’s the opposite of the wealth you see everywhere around it – no hot water, plastic tarps covering the roof in spots, plumbing issues and leaks throughout the building, a homeless guy selling books in front of the building. However, the people there are caring for the unnoticed and poor by providing a homeless shelter, hosting numerous Alcoholics Anonymous meetings each day and ministering to those who are hindered by language barriers or economic issues. They are completely generous with what little resources they have in order to make a difference for these people. They are living abundantly and their joy is contagious.

As we enter a season that tends to be all about abundance – an abundance of things to buy, an abundance of things to decorate or make or take, an abundance of money to spend - stop to consider the abundance of your life. Do you have abundant health? Abundant family and friends? Abundant freedom?  And remember…our ultimate abundance is found in Jesus and his promises for an abundant life beyond this world. He is abundance.

Who knew?!  J