Abundance

How priceless is your unfailing love! Both high and low among men find refuge in the shadow of your wings. They feast on the abundance of your house. You give them drink from your river of delights. Psalm 36:7-8

Ah, the joy of Christmas morning when the kids, grands, and great-grands open their gifts. The brightly wrapped gifts under the tree begin to dwindle as each is opened. Small hands reach for the next. Their little hearts almost explode with anticipation. But then they all grow up and we are left only with pics and memories. What if the same feeling we get Christmas Eve and Christmas morning could be carried into everyday life? The joy, gratitude, and awareness of His abundance might bring us new delights. Sarah Young (Jesus Listens for Advent and Christmas) shares an Advent prayer that taps on door to our hearts.

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You are a God of both intricate detail and overflowing abundance. When I entrust the details of my life to You, I’m often surprised by how thoroughly You answer my petitions. The biblical instruction to pray continually helps me feel free to bring You all my requests. And I’ve found that the more I pray—with a hopeful, watchful attitude—the more answers I receive. Best of all, my faith is strengthened as I see how precisely You respond to my specific prayers.

I rejoice that You are infinite in all Your ways! Because abundance is at the very heart of who You are, I don’t need to fear that You will run out of resources. I can come to You in joyful expectation of receiving all I need—and sometimes much more!

I’m so grateful for the bountiful blessings You shower on me! Even the hardships in my life can be viewed as Your blessings—they train me in perseverance, transforming me and preparing me for heaven. Like a child receiving gifts on Christmas morning, I come to You with open hands and heart, ready to receive all that You have for me.

In Your Great Name, Jesus,

AMEN.

God of Wonders

Mo Haner