The scripture says that God will provide an ABUNDANT LIFE to those who “seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness.” (Matt 6:33) Abundance in this sense means a life full of EVERYTHING YOU NEED to sustain your SPIRITUAL YOU in the fullness of joy and purpose. The early Christians lived in societies that were considerably less security oriented than what we are today. They didn’t have health care, homeowners insurance, social security, retirement funds, life insurance, etc. So, they learned to “Trust in the LORD with ALL YOUR HEART, And LEAN NOT on your own understanding (our God given ability to reason); In all your ways 1acknowledge Him, And He shall DIRECT YOUR PATHS.” (Prov. 3:5-6) 1yâda‛: to know in a personal and intimate way. You see, Will if we know God intimately, then we will not depend on the limited amount of WHAT WE KNOW. By the way, we call Him “Abba” Father, that is “daddy” Father.
What makes us feel intimate with God? While there are many ingredients to intimacy, our intimate relationship with God is based on TRUST. We cannot be intimate with God if we don’t trust Him. “But it is good for me to draw near (in intimacy) to God; I have put MY TRUST IN THE LORD GOD, That I may declare all Your works.” (Psalms 73:28) When we TRUST THE LORD then He can work in and through us, “…for it is God who works IN YOU both TO WILL and TO DO for HIS GOOD PLEASURE.” (Phil. 2:13) Now Will, this is wonderful because God gives us the desire (to will) and power (to do) to do HIS WILL. That is what gives God GREAT PLEASURE!!!
WHATEVER YOU DO, DO IT HEARTILY, AS TO THE LORD AND NOT TO MEN…(Colossians 3:23)
-Bill Stockham