Abound in Hope

Isn’t it interesting how the Bible never teaches us, in the Old or New Testament, to seek after material possessions or wealth?  Jesus’s message could have been, “Store up for yourselves plenty of treasure, so you will have a good retirement.” No, his message was always to seek things that are above, to seek first the Kingdom of God, and all the other things you need will follow. (Matthew 6:33) He promises that he will give us things more valuable than gold, both in the here and now, and for eternity.  Over and over in Scripture, we are taught that things to be highly valued in life are wisdom, peace, joy, contentment, and hope.  

The apostle Paul, writing to the church at Philippi, said he learned to be content, no matter the situation in which he found himself.  In Philippians 4:12-13, he says, “I know how to be brought low, and how to abound. In any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need.  I can do all things through Him who gives me strength.” 

I have known quite a few people in my life with material wealth.  For some, their money, and keeping and attaining more, seems to be the focus of their lives.  Some are hoarders, miserly to the point of making a “god” of their money, just as others seek after money to live extravagant lives, and money then too becomes a “god” of sorts.  Some live with hands closed, fists tightly clenched, not inclined to notice needs around them or seek to make life better for another.  Others, however, live life with open hands and arms, always on the lookout for ways they might bless others and make another’s burden a little easier to bear.  It occurs to me that with open hands, one is in a position to both give and receive.  With closed hands, however, one can do neither.

Whether we have little or great means, we all have a choice in how we will live our lives – with open hands and hearts, or with closed ones.  How we choose to give of ourselves, both of our time, and our resources, seems to be directly related to our own level of happiness.  Paul states in 1 Corinthians 15:58 that we should be “abounding in the work of the Lord.” In Philippians 1:9 he prays that “your love may abound still more and more in real knowledge and all discernment.”  God is able to make all grace abound to us, so that we may have abundance for every good deed (2 Corinthians 9:8).  

I want my life to abound in the things that matter.  I hope you do too.  “Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13. 

Amen