Scarcity and Abundance are a study in contrasts. There’s a reason for that—it illustrates the diametrically opposing pull on our hearts, our minds, even our bodies.
Scarcity is at the heart of our sin nature. It’s so much a part of us that we don’t even recognize it. Lack of peace, hopelessness, fear and anxiety, doubt, jealousy, insecurity, guilt–reduce those down, like syrup on the stovetop, and you’ll be left with the undiluted bitter taste of Scarcity. It’s an overpowering mindset that flavors and colors everything. “For as he thinks within himself, so he is” (Proverbs 23:7, nasb).
But Jesus promised followers a life of Abundance, not one hobbled by Scarcity’s tight grasp on our heel. And he clearly indicated it was available to us now, not just “waiting for pick up” at Heaven’s pearly gates. (John 10:10).
So how do we get from Scarcity to Abundance in our everyday, burnt toast moments?
Through the Word of God. Scripture shifts our perspective from one of Scarcity to one of sufficiency, of abundance. The Holy Spirit works through God’s Word to correct our thinking, shape and redirect our focus, and restore a healthy, lively two-way communication with our Maker.
Less of us, more of God.
Scarcity says… “Change (whatever kind of change you’re hoping for) is impossible. It is what it is. Give up now.”
Abundance answers… “God can do anything, you know—far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams! He does it not by pushing us around but by working within us, his Spirit deeply and gently within us” (Ephesians 3:20, msg).
I encourage you to leave feedback in the comments–I genuinely value your input!
Beautiful post to encourage each one to look at their blessings that God bestows upon us each day. Starting the day reading His Word and with praises of thanksgiving will bring inner peace and joy only God can give in abundance. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you for sharing! The complexities of man can be reduced to simple syrup—scarcity. I like how you simplify it.
I wonder how much our scarcity perspective is really a scarcity of God’s presence in our hearts. Adam rejected God in the garden and immediately the presence of God became scarce. Those who receive Jesus as Lord (the answer) immediately posses an abundance of God. In essence the answer isn’t WHAT God will abundantly give us, but WHO? His beloved son, Jesus—our abundance.
Thank you, DBR, for sharing your poignant thoughts! ~Suzanne
I love this analogy. Scarcity comes from trying to have abundance on our own, without the word of God. Yes, going to the Word of God brings abundance and life. The abundance of spiritual fulfillment. Everything God wants us to know about that life is in His Word. Thank you Suzanne for reaffirming this.
You put that so well, Jeri–trying to have abundance on our own, without God’s word. Grateful for your thoughts! Suzanne