You heavens above, rain down my righteousness;
let the clouds shower it down.
Let the earth open wide,
let salvation spring up,
let righteousness grow with it;
I, the Lord, have created it. (Isaiah 45:8 NIV)
I love it when the Bible talks about abundance. I’m not sure I completely “get” what God wants me to understand about his abundance for my life, but there’s something about the word that hooks me in when I read it. Years ago I saw this verse painted on a wall in a church, and my life has never been the same:
I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly. (John 10:10 NKJV)
Until that moment, I don’t think I had ever really considered the idea of life being spiritually abundant — but that promise stirred something in me. It still does.
Yesterday, my Bible Recap reading was in Isaiah 55 where God issues an invitation to those who are hungry and thirsty for more.
Everyone who thirsts, come to the waters;
And you who have no money come, buy grain and eat.
Come, buy wine and milk
Without money and without cost [simply accept it as a gift from God].
Why do you spend money for that which is not bread,
And your earnings for what does not satisfy?
Listen carefully to Me, and eat what is good,
And let your soul delight in abundance. (Isaiah 55:1-2 AMP)
In our world there are so many people who are hungry and thirsty for the things of God – and they may not even know it. Or they may believe that they have to get “cleaned up” or “fixed” before they can come to church. God’s Church – in all congregations in all places – should be a hospital for those who are broken, hurting, and lost, and a place of abundant spiritual feast for those who are hungry and thirsty.
Listen! Are you thirsty for more?
Come to the refreshing waters and drink.
Even if you have no money, come, buy, and eat.
Yes, come and buy all the wine and milk you desire—
it won’t cost a thing.
Why spend your hard-earned money
on something that can’t nourish you
or work so hard for something that can’t satisfy?
So listen carefully to me
and you’ll enjoy a sumptuous feast,
delighting in the finest of food.
Pay attention and come closer to me,
and hear, that your total being may flourish. (Isaiah 55:1-3 TPT)
God of Abundance,
Today we come to you with thankful hearts, knowing that no matter where we are or what we’ve done, you freely offer us your love and grace. We’re grateful that when we turn from our sin and turn to you, you welcome us with open arms. Thank you for the spiritual abundance you offer to those who hunger and thirst to know, love, worship, and serve you.
Lord, we pray that the spiritual hunger and thirst – the longing – you’ve placed within every heart would draw people into your churches today. No matter their spiritual condition, may they be met with your love, grace, salvation, healing, and a revealed sense of your purpose for their lives. May your salvation and righteousness rain down from your throne of glory so that all people see your majesty and splendor.
As we gather in our individual congregations to worship, continue to reveal your love, faithfulness, and abundance. At the same time, deepen our hunger and thirst for you alone. May our souls delight in your abundance. May we draw closer to you, and may every part of our lives flourish through the power of your Spirit.
We ask these things in the strong and powerful name of Jesus Christ our Lord, AMEN.