How to Have More Joy & Live the Abundant Life

This weekend I went hiking to enjoy the fall colors. The view was breathtaking! As I took in the cool mountain air and admired the golden leaves of the birch trees I began to contemplate the abundant life.

I felt such joy and peace and a sense of wonder and abundance.

I reflected on Jesus’ introduction of the abundant life.

“A thief has only one thing in mind—he wants to steal, slaughter, and destroy. But I have come to give you everything in abundance, more than you expect—life in its fullness until you overflow!”   -John 10:10 TPT

What is abundant life?

In our age of mass consumerism, it is easy to think of the abundant life as having a lot of material possessions. A popular bumper sticker “He who dies with the most toys wins” reflects this common viewpoint.

The abundant life, in scripture, is so much more than possessing lots of stuff.  It is total life prosperity that includes health and having the internal states of love, joy, and peace.

We see this type of prosperity and abundance in 3 John

“Beloved friend, I pray that you are prospering in every way and that you continually enjoy good health, just as your soul is prospering” 3 John 2 

As I took in all the beauty my first thought was why isn’t everyone enjoying this?  After all, it cost nothing but the gas money to get there.  I realize this particular beauty may not be within driving distance for everyone.  But beauty in some form is available everywhere.

Yet we often do not see it.  I know for years I lived in one of the most beautiful parts of the world and yet my sorrow kept me from even noticing.

[tweetshare tweet=”Both beauty and the ability to enjoy it are gifts from God” – Brenda Byers” username=”@ProsperinAll”]

The Abundant Live Begins Within

[tweetshare tweet=”Enjoying abundance is first an inside job” – Brenda Byers username=”@ProsperinAll”].

Our thoughts, beliefs, and feelings either lead us to see and soak in the goodness and beauty or prevent us from enjoying it.

Imagine, for example, that on my hike I would have chosen to focus on and mentally rehearse a victim story. All the way up the mountain I would have used my energy to relive my miserable story and feel its frustration.

As I live all the emotion of this story of drama and trauma, it feels as if it is happening now!

[tweetshare tweet=”When I carry my past experience into the present It blinds me to the magic of this moment. – Brenda Byers” username=”@ProsperinAll”]

To truly enjoy the abundant life that is so freely given I must first be still.

“Be still, and know that I am God! Psalm 46:10 TPT

In order to live an abundant life, I must learn to quiet my mind and open my heart. I must be willing to drop the stories of fear, doubt, worry, guilt, shame, and blame. These are just a few of the thieves that steal, kill and destroy!

I must learn to stay in the now.

[tweetshare tweet=”Every miracle happens in the present moment.” username=”ProsperinALL”]

Stewarding and enjoying what I have

To enjoy the abundant life I also must learn to both steward and enjoy what I have.

The first thing we are called to steward is our health. 

If we neglect to invest in our health then sickness and pain will mask the beauty and abundance available to us.

Start here and now. Begin where you are.

Learning to breathe is one way we can do this. There are lots of resources and videos. Here is an article to get you started. It takes only a few minutes and pays big dividends. Breathing properly will reduce fatigue and improve concentration, memory, and focus. It reduces anxiety and depression.

Add an affirmation to your breathing for additional benefits.  One example could be

“I breath in peace and joy and I breathe out fear, doubt and worry”

From there add movement.  Moving in a way that sparks joy multiplies the benefits!  Try dancing or yoga or hiking. Get out in nature.  Science has shown many health and emotional benefits from being near the ocean and walking barefoot in the sand. Take a walk in a forest.  Throughout times the healing power of pine tree has been revered.

Improving your diet by removing refined sugar and fat is another way to change the way you feel and enhance your ability to enjoy the abundant life that is readily available to you.

The password to get in

Gratitude is the password that opens the door to seeing and enjoying the abundant life.

There is a beautiful scripture that says

“Enter his gates with thanksgiving;

    go into his courts with praise.” – Psalm 100:4 NLT

The passion translation describes thanksgiving as the password

“You can pass through his open gates with the password of praise.

Come right into his presence with thanksgiving.” Psalm 100:4 TPT

How to enjoy the abundant life in business

I have found that business is a powerful way that we can enjoy an abundant life.

Not only because of the obvious satisfaction of creating wealth to enjoy but also in so many subtler ways.

The marketplace is one of the best ways to use your gifts to serve and add value.

In my 7-day course Partner with God in Business, I introduce the concept of having a higher view of work. Studies show the majority of people only work for money and hate their work. Most heart attacks happen on Monday morning. It is said we would rather die than go to work!

In the course, I teach that the Hebrew words for work is “Avodah”.  This word is used interchangeably in scripture for work, worship, and serving.

“Six days you shall work (Avodah).” – Exodus 34:21

“This is what the LORD says: Let my people go, so that they may worship (Avodah) me.” – Exodus 8:1

“But as for me and my household, we will serve (Avodah) the Lord.” – Joshua 24:15

Avodah represents a non-fragmented and decompartmentalized life where work and worship come together as one and the same!

It is a place where we honor the Lord and serve one another.

I have found that work can be a source of great enjoyment.

One of my favorite parts of being a business and success coach is seeing women discover their purpose and their charisma (grace gifts) and employ them in serving. Seeing them prosper and enjoy their work is pure joy for me!

And that too is part of the Abundant Life!

Praying YOU prosper in ALL things! (And enjoy the abundant life)

Brenda

About the author

Brenda Byers is the founder of www.prosperinallthings.com and has built multi-million dollar companies and sales teams. She has mentored leaders from many walks of life. Coaching the spectrum from single moms and budding entrepreneurs to founders of corporations. Her private coaching clients increase their income exponentially while learning to live their bliss and serve their communities.  She believes God is the business partner of choice. She shares cutting edge science and spiritual wisdom that will set you free and your business soaring. Brenda is a highly sought out inspirational speaker and corporate trainer at conferences and retreats.

She recently released the Prosper by Design Coach Certification Program. A comprehensive, biblically-based, science-backed online and offline program to grow your faith, income, and influence! Develop confidence and a success mindset, hone your skills and experience lasting personal & business breakthrough. SCHEDULE with Brenda to see if coaching is right for you and take a FREE TOUR of the Prosper By Design Coaching Certification Program.