KEYS TO AN ABUNDANT LIFE
The frigid wind bit into my face, while I tugged on the van’s door. As if to mock my plight, the vehicle’s heater was warming the interior. I stood shivering in a Safeway parking lot in north Idaho, my engine running with the doors locked. After parking our van, I had stepped outside, without thinking, (obviously). The moment the door handle left my fingertips, I groaned at my dilemma. I was locked outside, with the engine running.
Sheepishly, I entered the store, borrowed their phone and relished the store’s warmth, as I waited for the tow truck to arrive. Fortunately, our vehicle didn’t run out of gas.
I wonder how many of us feel “stranded in the cold” at times? The Lord promises a victorious and abundant life for His children (John 10:10; Romans 8:37). But do you ever feel like you’re on the outside looking in, missing out on the warmth of those promises? At times, we may even wonder, “Why does everyone else seem so blessed? What am I missing?”
Perhaps we allow fear of the future to demoralize us. Or maybe it’s a sense of shame and unworthiness. Or a desire to control our environment. Emptiness overwhelms us, like a blast of frigid air. We end up settling for a life far inferior to what God designed for us.
Jesus has given us “keys” to open the door to the warmth of His abundant life. These keys encompass taking time to meditate on His word, focusing on our God-given identity, and “soaking” in His presence. In Psalm 31:16 David prays, “Warm me, your servant, with a smile…” (MSG).
Perhaps we find spending time in nature or hanging out with fellow believers opens the door to His spiritual warmth. Galatians 2:9 speaks of the “warmth of Christian fellowship” (TPT). God’s “key chain” is huge—filled with opportunities to experience His presence. Our individual keys may vary, but our goal is the same: to unlock the door to intimacy with the Holy Spirit and step into the life God intended for us. Every day.
During these troubled times, let’s not lock away these keys, and miss our connection with Jesus. He wants so much more for us than we want for ourselves. Grab your “keys” each day and open the door to the “warmth” of God’s presence. Otherwise, we’re left standing in the cold.
Principle: Use the “keys” God gives us to open the door to the abundant life He promises.
Promise: The Lord promises a victorious and abundant life for His children.
Ponder:
In what circumstances do I feel as if I’m “locked out” from God’s blessings?
Make a list of the “keys” at your disposal to open the door to the abundant life Jesus promises.
Pursue: For a deeper dive, study Romans chapter eight.
Prayer: “Lord, during these days, it’s so easy to forget your promises. Help me to pursue your best for me.”
Perceptions: Record any ideas God puts on your heart from today’s devotion.