An extra dose of the abundant life
“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.”--John 10:10 (NRSV)
A much heard complaint during this COVID-19 pandemic is that times are hard. That is indeed true. Each one of us, no matter who you are and where you might find yourself is going through some hard times at the moment. And if there is anything I’ve learned about hard times, it’s that they can make you feel completely drained.
The thing about hard times is that it comes with a pace that is indescribable. Everything feels so unfamiliar, there are problems everywhere and you only long for it to end and things to go back to how things were. I guess that’s only human.
Hard times can even cause us to raise the question where God is or what God’s purpose is in all this.
John 10 shows us a picture of a Shepherd watching over His sheep, and a promise that He is a protector of abundant life.
But at the same time, John reminds us that there is an enemy who strives to take life from us. An enemy who wants nothing else than to destroy the abundance God offers us in the midst of hard times.
The Greek word for “abundance” is perissos, which means “surplus.”
In other words, in hard times or good times, we always have access to an extra dose of the abundant life Christ offers us through His death and resurrection. It is the power from the cross which brings us to a place of peace and brings ease to our souls through the hard times.
When we experience hard times, we should use that time to evaluate what could, or should, fill that gap and seek God’s wisdom. God will then definitely show us how to walk through these times.
We should also use the time to evaluate who the people are we surround ourselves with. Are they the ones who speak words of life into us or do they drain the positive energy out of us? These are good questions to ask to help find the right people during hard times. Just as God is our protector during a hard time, we have to protect our minds from extra negativity or doubt.
Hard times are hard because of where our thoughts tend to wander off. If all we think of is doom and gloom, it will be all we speak. There is a saying that says: “That of which the heart is full, the mouth overflows.”
In good and bad times, there’s a fulfilling life waiting for us through the presence and promise of the Good Shepherd. Hard times sometimes make it difficult for us to take firm steps toward God. Be assured, we won’t get every step right—we will stumble, fall, and fail. Our thoughts might lead us away from living the promise. But may we always strive to believe the promise of John 10:10 which is pulling us back into abundant life.
Dear God, thank You that You offer abundance in every season. Thank You for the reminder today that our hard times don’t have to leave us feeling sapped and defeated. We can have abundance because of Your promise. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
—Rev. Diana de Graven
Reformed Church of Suriname
Secretary Administrative Committee CANACOM
Reformed Church of Suriname
Secretary Administrative Committee CANACOM