Christianity / Devotionals / Your Daily Bible Verse / What Does it Mean to Have Abundant Life? - Your Daily Bible Verse - April 16

What Does it Mean to Have Abundant Life? - Your Daily Bible Verse - April 16

The purpose of the tension we feel with what we want and what we have is to point us to God and to eternity. We're meant to desire more of God.

Your Daily Bible Verse Podcast Banner

What Does It Mean to Have Abundant Life?
By Brenda Rodgers

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. – John 10:10

Around my daughter's first birthday, mealtimes became unbearable. She couldn't communicate with words yet, so she whined, grunted, and threw food. As a solution, I taught her a few words in sign language. The sign for "more" was one of them.

My daughter is now two-and-a-half and articulate for her age, especially with the word "more." If she begs for something she'll say the word "more" and sign it. I guess she thinks the sign gives her extra chances of getting what she's begging for.

As I've watched my daughter I've asked myself, "Are we much different from toddlers?" From our youngest ages, we desire more. We pine, crave, beg and covet for more. Typically we see this as negative - a part of our sin nature. But what we don't realize is that our desire for more is God's design, and He is happy to give it.

God created us to have an insatiable thirst as we live in this world. When sin entered the world, so did discontentment with life. God desires for us to seek more out of life. The problem is we displace our desire for more because of our discontentment.

The purpose of the tension we feel with what we want and what we have is to point us to God and to eternity. We're meant to desire more of God.

At first look, we might be tempted to say, "What? I rather have a life of abundance so I can have the stuff I want and be happy!" But when you're in a state of crisis, what's worth more - a life full of fear, anxiousness, and tension, or a life full of tranquility and the fruit of the spirit? I think we'd agree that you can't put a price tag on love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness, and self-control.

An abundant life comes from following God's ways, pursuing holiness, and seeking to be more like Him. "This God—his way is perfect; the word of the LORD proves true; he is a shield for all those who take refuge in him" (Psalm 18:30). As a result, others see the abundant life in you and are led to Jesus through your example: "In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven" (Matthew 5:16).

God created us to want more. But which kind of "more" will we seek? Abundance in worldly pursuits or an abundant life? The more we desire God, the more abundant our life will be.

Editor’s Note: This devotional was taken in part from Brenda’s article What Does it Mean to Have Abundant Life? You can read that piece in full here.


Related Resource: Study the Book of Daniel with Us This Fall!

What does it look like to live with courage, clarity, and conviction when everything around you feels uncertain? The book of Daniel tells the story of faith under fire—of ordinary people who stayed rooted in God while living in a culture that didn’t share their values. From exile in Babylon to lion’s dens and prophetic dreams, Daniel shows us that small acts of faith can anchor us in uncertain times. 

This 12-week journey will help you discover how to live right side up in an upside-down world—with integrity, trust, and unshakable hope. If this episode enables you to know and love God more, be sure to follow How to Study the Bible Podcast on Apple or Spotify so you never miss an episode!

SHARE