Webster defines abundance as “the state or condition of having a copious quantity of something; plentifulness.” In other words it means a huge amount of material things or talents. From a Biblical standpoint, abundance may refer to having joy and contentment in life, no matter what the circumstances. As we approach a day of giving thanks for all our blessings, it may be a good time to make a list of all of those blessings that make your life full and abundant.

• A closet full of clothes that either don’t fit or are out of style. More than necessary to get a person through one week of not wearing the same thing every day.
• Enough food to suffice and often more than necessary. Even when the budget is stretched to the limit, there is abundance.
• Friends and family you can count on in any situation.
• The talents God has given you and how you can use them to spread His good news to others.
• The love and companionship of a faithful spouse.
• A family that you have equipped with the Word of God.
• A job that helps to provide for those you love. That same job, which gives you satisfaction and you love doing every day.
• Spiritual leaders who inspire and guide you through life.
• Even in your old age, you have an abundance of help getting through each day, physically, mentally and spiritually. You also have accumulated years of experience and wisdom through those things. Through them you become a blessing to others.
• Whether good or bad, your health can determine how you look at life.
• Your aches and pains – Even when your body is crying out in despair or discomfort, you can rejoice in the fact that it won’t last forever.
• Your financial, relational, emotional problems can be considered stepping stones for the future.
• In times of war and violence, you have the peace that you are living in a country that has not yet been devoured by them.
• Knowing that we are merely visitors here on earth. Our true home awaits in heaven.
• You can be confident and assured that you are not alone in your walk on this planet. God is always with you. He will never give up on you. He loves you unconditionally. He gave His life for you. He created you and He knows all about your thoughts and concerns.
• You are a child of God and an heir of eternal life.

I could go on and on with this list, but I think you can understand what I’m talking about. We’ve been blessed beyond measure with an abundance of gifts. So many that we can’t even list them all. Unfortunately, we often forget all about those blessings for the rest of the days of the year.

” May the Lord, the God of your fathers, make you a thousand times as many as you are and bless you, as he has promised you!” Deuteronomy 1:11 ESV