When was the last time you were around someone bursting at the seams with joy? Or maybe you have a friend who never seems to say an unkind word, speaking life to everyone around her. Have you been blessed by someone generous beyond your understanding? Or felt loved by someone who never seems to tire from expressing gratitude?
When I reflect on the similarities of people who exhibit these behaviors, an image plays over and over in my mind: a cup overflowing. That’s what a mindset of abundance will do. It creates abundance in your own life which in turn, overflows into others’ lives.
The question is, how do we have the never-running-out, never-lacking-in-anything mindset?
ANCHORING OURSELVES IN THE TRUTH
First, let’s acknowledge that a mindset of abundance doesn’t come naturally to most, if not all of us. It’s human nature to desire more, climb higher, work harder and achieve the next best thing. What we have is never enough. We want MORE. We want BETTER.
A mindset of abundance requires intentionality, practice and a renewing of the mind. And as with any change we desire to make, the first step is to look at what God says about it.
Let’s pause to anchor our minds in the truth of God’s Word:
But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. -Matthew 6:33 (NIV)
And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. -2 Corinthians 9:8 (NIV)
To sum it up (in Alissa speak), these two verses tell us to (1) Seek God first, and then (2) He will provide everything we need, so that (3) in our blessings we are able to bless others.
These are promises from God. You can believe them and live them out because we know the truth of Scripture. It may take some practice (and trust) but keep leaning in. Blessings follow obedience.
A COUNTERINTUITIVE CONCEPT
As believers, we live in an “upside-down Kingdom.” Jesus ate with sinners. (Matthew 9:10-13) God exalts the humble. (Matthew 23:12) God blesses the poor; they inherit the Kingdom of Heaven. (Matthew 5:3) Our dependency brings abundance. Without Jesus, we have nothing. And when we surrender and submit our lives to the Lord’s authority, we have all that we need.
The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. -Psalm 23:1 (NIV)
A POSTURE OF DEPENDENCE
Some may have a negative association with dependency. However, in this context, dependency deepens intimacy and closeness in relationship. When I depend on the Father, He is honored by my need for Him and desires to care for me. As His daughter, I feel embraced and loved by Him. It draws me nearer to God. Likewise, when I depend on Derek, he feels wanted and needed, and desires to care for me. As his wife, I feel nourished and loved by him. It draws us closer as husband and wife. Just as my relationship with Jesus strengthens as my dependence on Him grows, Derek and I’s marriage is stronger because of our dependence on one another.
You may feel like you have “everything under control.” Or then again, maybe you feel like everything is out of control! Regardless of your current circumstances, you have an opportunity each day to surrender and submit your life to the Lord. It’s that posture of dependence that positions you to need God. And when you need God, you’re inviting the Lord to move powerfully—and abundantly—in your life.
Before you know it, you’re living with a mindset of abundance and …
You’re bursting with joy.
You’re speaking life to everyone around you.
You’re generous beyond understanding.
Your gratitude is contagious.
Your cup overflows.
