"Life"

Everybody yearns for normal,

Or some happy ever after,

But no one lives for very long,

On only love and laughter.

‘Cause life can be heart-breaking,

And steal all of your dreams,

Sometimes it’s hard to fight it,

Or that’s the way it seems.

So do we just endure it,

And do the best we can,

Or is there something better,

According to God’s plan.

Jesus said His purpose,

Quite unlike the thief,

Was to give abundant life,

From burdens bring relief.

And I’ve come to believe it,

And know that it is true,

I turned it all to Jesus,

And He really did come through.

And I have found not only,

Grace strong to overcome,

But also gives my heart’s desires,

And lots of joyful fun.

No, life is never perfect,

But sweeter when we say,

I’m going to follow Jesus,

And live for Him each day.

And still believe the promise,

Of the Spirit’s happy fruit,

And enjoy His presence daily,

Send down the deepest root.

Find the way to heaven,

Has heaven on the way,

No matter what life gives you,

God makes it all okay.

“But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives…” (Gal. 5:22, NLT)

The key to living an abundant life is not tied to what we want to happen. Rather, it’s tied to a personal relationship with Jesus and the fruit of the Holy Spirit. Jesus promised abundant life, and the Holy Spirit delivers it personally to us. When we cooperate with the Spirit and die to ourselves, life becomes more of a celebration of grace than anything else. The rest of life- relationships, possessions, work, recreation and worship- all fall into place according to their God-given priority. If we think we’re going to find happiness any other way, we are sadly mistaken. It’s all about the Spirit of Jesus having His way with, in and through us. Get some!

Lord, give us the abundant life You promised, in Jesus’ name.

Art by J.K. Dooley, used by permission. Thanks, J.K., and God bless you.