The Bounty of Jesus

I’ve just started the Bible study, Proven, by Jennie Allen. In the first week of study, we focused on finding fulfillment in Jesus, the one who has come to give us life- abundant and full. (John 10:10)

Jennie challenges us to consider this point about ourselves- while we know that Jesus is life- abundant and full, it’s not something that we live into on a daily basis. In fact, we have a tendency to wear ourselves out- striving to create or to find our life, our measure, our fulfillment.

We have a human bent, or as she calls it, an addiction to cheap substitutes. We forsake God and turn to people, things, accomplishments, hobbies, food, ?   We drink the cheap wine from broken or man-made cisterns instead of quenching our thirsts on the new and living wine of Jesus to be fully satisfied. (Jeremiah 2:13)

During our group discussion, the question was raised:

How do we find the balance between enjoying the good gifts that God has given (like the invention of chocolate and smart phones) and finding our fulfillment in and enjoying Jesus first and most above all? 

This struggle originates with 2 truths-

1.  God has given us good things to enjoy. (James 1:17; Psalm 84:11; 1 Timothy 6:17)
2.  God commands us to love him with all our hearts and seek him first; he wants to   consume us. (Matthew 22:37; Matthew 6:33; Hebrews 12:28-29)

 The paradox presents a challenge:

1. How do we enjoy life here on the sod of earth without being enticed and dragged away by it?
2. How do we enjoy good things without forsaking God in the process, digging our own cisterns, creating our own idols, that never fully satisfy?

I’m learning that the answer has everything to do with the position of my heart before God and the desires that motivate me. 

1. Do I believe that Jesus is truly all I need to be satisfied?
2. Am I enjoying Him and finding my satisfaction in Him, or am I striving to find it in other people, things, or circumstances?

It’s always time well spent-

When I take inventory of my heart and the progress being made in my journey toward being more like Christ and living life God’s way. There is always room to grow and stretch.

So I’m prayerfully considering the condition of my heart, and I’m encouraging you to do the same. I’ve created a new Prayer Index Card to help me talk with God about my desire to be fully satisfied in Jesus . . . to be freed from unbelief that sends me to other sources of life when God alone satisfies. I’m asking for a wellspring of living water to bubble up in me and overflow as holy refreshment to others.

This will be the bounty of Jesus in me . . . the life of God through me!

I hope you’ll join me!