Abundance Is Not Something Acquired
Abundance Is Not Something Acquired
“Abundance is not something we acquire, it is something we tune into.” – Wayne Dyer
I read this recently and it spurred a deeper dive into abundance and what it might be.
The world around us uses this word a lot. But what does it really mean?
“Abundant” in Greek is perisson, meaning “exceedingly, very highly, beyond measure, more, superfluous, a quantity so abundant as to be considerably more than what one would expect or anticipate.”
This brings to mind Paul’s words to the Corinthians: “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him” (1 Corinthians 2:9 NLT).
He tells the Ephesians, that God is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, and He does it by His power, a power that is at work within us if we belong to Him (Ephesians 3:20).
Jesus said, “A thief comes only to steal, kill and destroy. I have come that they might have life and have it abundantly” (John 10:10).
Usually abundance gets lumped with monetary wealth or other material blessings, satisfying relationships or good health and vitality. However, when we read the scriptures, these are not what Christian believers are promised when they “love God” and “belong to Him”. In fact, many believers have not been wealthy, had strained relationships with others because of their faith, experienced tremendous struggle and pain, were tortured and even died for their beliefs. Yet, these same people spoke of experiencing tremendous joy and abundant lives.
As a side note: Is it bad for Christians to seek monetary wealth, fantastic relationships, great health or other blessings? Definitely not. All you need to do is read the parable of the talents in Matthew 25 to see that seeking increase is not a bad thing. If seeking such things though, it is important to ask yourself why you are seeking them. Your motivation makes a big difference.
So then, if what we normally associate with abundance isn’t what was meant when referring to having life abundantly and God is able to do exceedingly abundantly more than we can ask or think, what might that abundance be?
If you ask 20 different Christians, you’ll probably get 20 different answers. Okay, what is it? Well, a lot of things.
What IS Abundance?
Here are just a few examples:
- Acceptance. (John 6:37, NIV) “All those the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never drive away.”
- Connection. If we search for Him we will find Him (Deuteronomy 4).
- Unfailing love. (1 Chronicles 16:34). His love will never fail. He is faithful in every way.
- Comfort in tough times. (2 Corinthians 1:3–4). He has a plan which maybe we’ll understand one day and maybe we won’t. Either way, what we learn we can use to lift up others and help make this world a better place.
- All things working for our good. (Romans 8:28). This is the broader picture that keeps us from being dismayed by present circumstances.
- Our needs being met. (Matthew 6:33; Philippians 4:19). Not that we get everything we want, but our needs will be taken care of. We are more valuable than the birds, and our Heavenly Father feeds them (Matthew 6:26).
- Peace. (Philippians 4:6–7). His peace is protection. It will “guard your hearts and your minds in Christ.”
- Eternal life. (John 4:14). To those who trust Him, God has promised eternal life and also to hold us securely: “No one will snatch them out of my hand” (John 10:28).
- Power. (Acts 1:8). In this power, they “turned the world upside down” (Acts 17:6, ESV).
- Every spiritual blessing in Christ (Ephesians 1:3).(https://www.gotquestions.org/promises-of-God.html)
It's More Than You Think
So let’s see: acceptance, companionship, never-failing love, comfort in our trials, that all things will work out for our good, our needs will be taken care of, peace, eternal life so that death has no sting or victory, power to turn the world upside down and every spiritual blessing.
These are not things acquired. They are what we simply have when we tune in to Christ, His Spirit and living how He taught.
“…not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid” (John 14:27 KJV).
Now THAT’s abundance! It’s more than just money. It’s more than just connection. It’s more than just vitality. It’s more than we realize. And the beautiful thing is, everyone can have it.
