Our world is full of unhappy and dissatisfied people. For this reason, people everywhere are looking for answers to the emptiness they feel inside. They will try anything, if it might bring them some sort of satisfaction or happiness. Perhaps this explains why there is so much drug dependency, alcohol abuse, criminal behavior, depression, emotional distress and psychological disorders.
There is an answer to the eternal question, “How do I find happiness and satisfaction in life?” Jesus states in John 10:10 the purpose of why he came. He said, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life to the full.” What did Jesus mean when He said that we can have “life abundantly” to the full.
A good dictionary will define the word “full” as “complete.” Perfect, being at the highest or greatest degree, the maximum.” So when the word is in reference to one’s life, it would mean a life that is complete, not lacking in anything essential. The good news is that not only did Jesus come to save us, but he also came to give us an abundant life.
This tells me that God desires that His children are living a life full of happiness, peace, and a genuine friendship with Him. Through Jesus, it is without a doubt, still available today.
What is “Abundant Life?” It’s a life found in Christ. Abundant living is a life that is filled with the things that are good for us. A life of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, faithfulness, compassion, humility, enthusiasm, confidence, honesty, a relationship with God. Abundant life is full of those things money can’t buy and all come from God, who is the giver of all good things.
Abundant life is living life to the fullest, not merely existing or simply trying to make a living. In Matthew 6:25, Jesus says, “not to worry about our life, what we will eat or drink, or what we will wear.”
Abundant life is not necessarily a life of comfort and ease.
It is not dependent on outside circumstances.
It is not glamorous, flashy or outwardly impressive.
It is not necessarily obtained quickly.
There is no magic formula. God graciously gives it to all who seek it. “Ask and it will be given to you, seek and you will find, knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives, they who seeks, finds; and to they who knock, the door will be opened.” Matthew 7:7-9
If you have not experienced or discovered the abundant life, the most important thing you can do, is to agree that Jesus in John 10:10, really has come so that YOU may enjoy life to the full.
