Fully Alive: Living a more abundant life in 2019

Do you desire to have the best possible life in 2019?

 What are you looking forward to in the new year and how are you kicking off the new year? Do you have a one-word, a resolution or some other means?

 In my small group yesterday, a group of ladies explored how we can have the best possible life in 2019. To help us, we studied Psalm 1. This is one of my favorite Psalms.

Living a more abundant life in 2019

Blessed is the one who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the company of mockers.

As we explored what it means to be blessed, several ladies shared that being blessed meant a supernaturally enhanced, dynamic, and abundant life with divine approval.

Blessed also meant that we will be intentional to forsake evil and ways that are not aligned with God’s purpose. This includes choosing not to join in gossip but rather redirect the conversation. For instance, we might ask, is there another explanation we are not aware of? How could we pray for this person or support them?

 But they delight in the law of the Lord, meditating on it, day and night.

 To delight in the Word implies having an abiding joy. To treasure or take pleasure in the Word, while meditating, means to ponder, and chew on God’s Word.

This delight is not a casual look but an intentional choice to slow down and take time to read God’s Word and treasure it in our heart throughout the day. This could take a variety of forms, whether through daily devotions, studying specific scriptures or a book of the bible.

Delight involves applying the Word to our lives. What would we do differently because of reading and meditating on the Word? For example, after meditating on Philippians 4:8, I would choose to have a positive attitude in all situations.

Delight also means we lean on the Lord when we feel stressed or anxious. After reading Philippians 4:6, if I was anxious about something, I would acknowledge it, present the issue to God in prayer and thank Him in advance for the answer.

That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season, and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever they do prospers.

This word picture is chock full of promises. We have the assurance that when we intentionally meditate on God’s word and apply it, we will be fully alive and well nourished. We will also prosper and produce abundant and succulent fruit that will nourish others. This fruit includes joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, and self-control. Galatians 5:22

One woman (TM), shared what this promise meant to her. A tree planted by the water represents a fresh life that is flourishing and constantly renewed. In the world, we will get dirty but when we delight in God’s word, we are washed and refreshed because God’s word is living and active. Streams of water depict movement and remind us that the Holy Spirit is alive and yields fruit in season.

For the Lord watches over the way of the righteous.

Anchored in God’s truth, we are assured of His guidance, provision, and security.

To be fully alive and live a supernaturally abundant and enhanced life in 2019 requires that we:

• Stay away from temptations and sin.
• Meditate on God’s word and apply it.
• Trust in God’s care and provision in both good and tough times.

In last week’s post, I shared how I selected my one-word last year. If choosing one-word is not your thing, consider applying this or a similar Psalm to guide you in 2019.

Prayer: Lord, empower us by your Spirit to follow you daily so that we may be fully alive in you. Amen.

I pray you have a vibrant, fruitful, and blessed year.

A Listening Heart

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