Abundant Life is Knocking

   "I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand. I and the Father are one." (John 10:28-30)

   Life. What does life look like in your mind? Life to me is the joy of the Lord. It's not partying late nights, having a bunch of wealthy friends, or going on conspicuous holidays to snooty locations. Sure those things can be enjoyable at times, but must it always be that way in order for you to feel alive? If this is the case, we may have just found an hidden root of trouble.

   You see in Philippians chapter four, the Apostle Paul is sharing his revelation concerning contentment in any and all circumstances.

   "I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength." (Philippians 4:11-13)

   God gives strength to His people who look to Him. If we would look to Him in times of loneliness, financial need, and spiritual hunger, He will supply the strength we need.

He will be the needed Presence of a Comforter in the midst of your distress:

"My comfort in my suffering is this: Your promise preserves my life." (Psalm 119:50)

"Shout for joy, you heavens; rejoice, you earth; burst into song, you mountains! For the Lord comforts his people and will have compassion on his afflicted ones." (Isaiah 49:13)

He will provide all that we need, for His provision is perfect:

"Your people settled in it, and from your bounty, God, you provided for the poor." (Psalm 68:10)

And if it's your spirit in which you are poor, take heart, there's hope:

"The poor will see and be glad— you who seek God, may your hearts live!" (Psalm 69:32)

That's the life!

   God provides. He provides that shoulder to cry on that no one else would offer. He provides in even the smallest of needs, because even the sparrows are cared for by our loving Lord. He provides the food for which your spirit hungers, and the Wellspring of Living Waters to the parched lands within your heart.

   "He turned the desert into pools of water and the parched ground into flowing springs; there he brought the hungry to live, and they founded a city where they could settle." (Psalm 107:35-36)

   So come to Him, grumbling soul-belly and all. Expect Him to fill you up. He is good and when you seek after Him whole-heartedly, you will be satisfied. You will discover the life you're searching for in the Lord.

"Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart." (Psalm 37:4)

   "and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God. For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding." (Proverbs 2:4-6)

   This is what true living looks like. It's searching for God with your entire heart. Searching for Him in everyday things, seeking Him and desperately wanting to know more and more and more about Him. It's the crave to know His Heart and the desire to give to Him that of your own - your all for more of Him. 

   It's a beautiful exchange to experience. Each day the flesh chips away, and the Spirit blossoms within. Cherish this time of spiritual advancement. You are going from glory to glory in God's grace. Trust Him. He is faithful. He sees your longing and delights in your hungering for Him.

   "Those who know your name trust in you, for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you." (Psalm 9:10)

   Seeking Christ is lovely living, and living life lovely is loving the Lord. He will never abandon His faithful children - never. The best part? We won't ever experience being snatched away from the Life that is found only in God. Jesus suffered that agony once and for all and He defeated it, and therefore it no longer has authority over us as we are protected by the Good Shepherd. As you read earlier, John chapter ten tells us this loudly and clearly! What a divine revelation!

   Because we have eternal life, we will never perish. What the Holy Spirit presses on our hearts is that we throw off the chains of earthly pleasure that ultimately leave us feeling emptier, and thrust ourselves into the Arms of the One who calls us daily.

   He is calling. Can't you hear the gentle whispers of the Savior? "Come, My child, follow me."

   "Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know." (Jeremiah 33:3)

   Great and unsearchable things await your future! The Life that Christ is beckoning for you to embrace is overflowing with joy, peace, and abundance. Take the leap into His Arms, and He won't ever let you fall. 

   Open the door to Him, and allow Him to feed your soul. Partake in the nourishing Words, delve into the incomprehensible grace that is yours for the accepting, and quench the desert-like thirst in your heart with the Well of Life that pours His healing waters out. This is Life!

   "Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me." (Revelation 3:20)

   Love, joy, peace, and abundant Life await, knocking on the door to your heart. Will you let Him in? Will you let the lovely and loving living begin? Your life will be forever brighter if you do, because that's when you are bathed in the Light of His Presence.

   - The Introverted Evangelist