Living Each Day to the Full
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.
John 10:10
Would you describe your life as living each day to the full? How would describe life to the full? Does the world provide life to the full? We will attempt to answer these questions and describe what Jesus meant by life to the full.
Most people might describe life to the full as being content and satisfied with no worries, no fears, and no anger. Can we maintain this state of mind every day while living in this world? I think the answer is no, because no matter how much money, possessions, or friends we may have, there are many things in this world we cannot control, such as world economy, world terror, or world diseases. When circumstances are out of our control it can cause fear and worry, enabling Satan to steal our life to the full.
Life to the full as stated by Jesus refers to a continuous full life, because we are created to live in a perfect world. When sin came into the world, life became a struggle, and we are not created to live in a struggling sinful world, heaven is our home. Jesus provides through the indwelling Holy Spirit, the peace that transcends understanding. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. (John 14:27).
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. (Galatians 5:22-23). We seek the fruit of the Spirit, and we experience love, peace, and joy from the Lord. The Spirit is with us forever, therefore the fruit of the Spirit is always there with us. We attain this fruit by Bible study, prayer, fellowship, and communing with the Lord. The more we keep our thoughts on things above, the more peace and joy we can experience. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. (Colossians 3:2). We go through life, one with the Lord, and we seek his divine wisdom in our earthly life.
We trust the Lord with our life, knowing he will carry us over any mountain that Satan puts in our path. The more we trust the Lord’s perfect love, our fear and worry are replaced by peace and joy. Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. (Proverbs 3:5-6)
Start your day with prayer and with patience, because impatience can easily steal your peace and joy. Slow down inside and take the time to see the world around you, notice any opportunities to minister to someone, encourage or just be a Godly friend.
Peace and joy greatly increase in our life when we commune with the Lord, remember scripture that we can quote during the day, and walk with patience slowing down to notice the world around us. Notice from the Word, Jesus was always noticing who was around him, searching for people he could help and reveal his love and care. Nowhere in the Word do ever see Jesus rushing or impatience. And we are to have the mind of Christ.
Today walk purposely as the Lord’s servant, seeking to use every moment to the fullest by searching for opportunities to encourage and show Christ to someone. However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace. (Acts 20:24) Paul’s priority in life was testifying to the good news of God’s grace, and he lived with great love, peace, and joy, because he was close to the Lord. The more we live for the Lord, the more love, peace, and joy enters our heart, pushing out fear from Satan.
Prayer: Lord, help me to live this day to the fullest serving you, experiencing your love, peace and joy. Thank you for your love through the indwelling Holy Spirit, and for hearing my prayer and my thoughts as I commune with you throughout the day. Draw me closer to you and mold me to the person you created me to be. In Jesus name, Amen