The Joy of the Abundant Life: Day 23 of Joy
He gives you life.
“A thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I have come so that they may have life and have it in abundance.” —John 10:10 CSB
Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me, even if he dies, will live.’ —John 11:25 CSB
We often mistake “existing” for “living.” We spend our days managing schedules, paying bills, and navigating the expectations of the world. It is easy to feel as though the “thief”—be it stress, regret, or fear—is slowly stealing our vitality, leaving us feeling exhausted and spiritually drained. We define a “good life” based on comfort or lack of conflict, but that version of life is fragile.
The Gospel offers something far more durable. Jesus doesn’t just offer a better lifestyle; He offers a different kind of life altogether. The foundation for your strength today is this: He gives you life.
This message is two-fold. First, it is Abundant Life for the present. It is a life of purpose, peace, and unsinkable joy that isn’t dependent on your circumstances. Second, it is Resurrection Life for the future. Because He is the Resurrection, even the greatest “fall”—death itself—has been defeated. You can be anxiety free about your future because your life is with Christ in God. He satisfies your soul today and secures your soul for eternity.
The 90/10 Rule of Living
[read this article to learn more about the 90/10 rule]
The 10%: The daily drains on your energy—the “thieves” of time, health, and focus that try to diminish your spirit.
The 90%: The “Life” that Jesus has already deposited in you. The fact that His resurrection power is currently at work in your heart.
If you focus on the 10 percent, you will live in a state of constant depletion. When you give the 90 percent of your attention to the fact that He gives you life, your joy becomes firm. You aren’t just surviving the day; you are thriving in the abundance of His grace.
Take a moment to identify one area where you feel “dead” or drained. Instead of trying to jumpstart your own heart, ask the “Resurrection and the Life” to breathe into that situation. Say out loud: “I choose to live in the abundance Jesus has provided today.”
Prayer: Lord Jesus, I praise You as the Giver of Life. Thank You that You came not just to give me a destination, but to give me an abundant life right now. I reject the influence of the thief who tries to steal my joy. I trust in Your resurrection power to sustain me and give me hope for all eternity. Amen.
View all messages in the series at: www.faithsaves.us/t/joy-series-faith-saves-us