A couple of weeks ago, a good friend and I began to text one another moments of abundance – moments we could clearly see God working around us, maybe in nature or in our relationships. Looking for abundance, also known as counting your blessings, can change your life.
Let’s face it. This world is hard. Times are difficult, even when things are going well. Just the normal stresses of life – bills, relationships, health concerns, and general worries – are enough to keep our thoughts focused on us, when what we need is for our minds to be transformed to think more about God and what He is doing in and around us.
What I have found is that moments of abundance usually cost very little, if anything. A sunny morning to sit outside while eating my breakfast, taking in the smells of late spring, hearing the birds chirping, and seeing the glory of newly greened trees is a moment of abundance. Sipping a good cup of hot, strong coffee on a cloudy day, listening to good music, talking my dog for a walk, watching kids playing soccer, and laughing with friends are moments of abundance.
The Lord has given us this world to enjoy. In Psalm 104:14-15, we read, “You cause the grass to grow for the livestock and plants for man to cultivate, that he may bring forth food from the earth and wine to gladden the heart of man, oil to make his face shine and bread to strengthen man’s heart.” God has surrounded us with good things. He tells us that these are sweet gifts from Him to us, to make us glad and give us strength. What a wonderful God we serve who cares about such things!
He has provided for our basic needs, but God also provides for these felt needs. He wants us to seek out and surround ourselves with good things and to be inspired by His creative work.
I challenge you this week to look for moments of abundance. Begin to train yourself to see the good things God is giving you each day, rather than focusing on the troubles of life. See your attitude change as you are intentional with your thoughts. Count your blessings, name them one by one.