Years ago our three oldest boys sometimes fought over who got to sit in the station wagon’s front seat. I guess they felt special or more grown up sitting beside the driver. Observing the scene logically, this made no sense to me. Regardless of where they sat, everyone reached the destination at the same time! Yet something about that front seat allured them.
Sometimes adults behave the same way: elbowing their way in line for an amusement park ride that repeats dozens of times a day, trying to beat another car to a red traffic light, or arguing over who gets the next food sample at Costco! Seriously? What’s the emergency?
Despite our relatively affluent lifestyles—in global comparison—we wealthy Westerners can find ways of imagining ourselves as needy and disadvantaged.
And while our world actually does involve shortages and limited supplies, creating greediness and rudeness, in God’s kingdom there’s an abundance and no need to rush!
Psalm 23:1-2 explains, The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters.
Picture a shepherd with his sheep. He leads them onto welcoming green hills with a brook babbling alongside. The sheep do not race at a mad pace, hurling their bodies at each other to beat the pack, or aggressively fighting over the turf. Each sheep finds a spot that looks good and gets to work munching. They understand the state of affairs. ALL of the grass is green. ALL of the water is cool and refreshing.
Spiritually speaking there’s no need for competition as we follow our Good Shepherd because He has plenty for everyone.
This theme of God’s generosity and abundance shows up all over the Bible:
You will make known to me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; In Your right hand there are pleasures forever. (Psalm 16:11)
Honor the Lord from your wealth And from the first of all your produce; So your barns will be filled with plenty And your vats will overflow with new wine. (Proverbs 3:9-10)
I (Jesus) came that they may have life, and have it abundantly. (John 10:10b)
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ (Ephesians 1:3)
… His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence. (2 Peter 1:3)
But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him. (James 1:5)
God has more than enough of everything we could need or want—provision, spiritual blessings, empowerment, wisdom, love and grace. Knowing this we can enjoy His abundance and invite others to share in His bounty!
Love the thoughts and how they are presented! Very artful and engaging! Thank you, Carrie.
Kathy M.