During my devotional time with the Lord earlier today, He led me to a verse in the book of Habakkuk that helped me to better understand how He wants His children to live. This verse says: “Look at the proud; his soul is not straight or right within him, but the [rigidly] just and the [uncompromisingly] righteous man shall live by his faith and in his faithfulness.” (Habakkuk 2:4 AMP) As I studied this verse out, I realized for the first time the rich meaning, and the incredible promise, that it holds for those of us who believe. I wrote out my own personal paraphrase of this verse, and I posted it where I would see it often. It reads: “The righteous person by his faithful consistency shall enjoy life, live in happiness, and be made whole!”
In other words, when we consistently seek the Lord, trusting His Word, and determining to please Him in every area of our lives, we will experience the abundant life that is our inheritance in Christ. Jesus said: “I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it overflows).” (John 10:10 AMP) The Savior didn’t come just so that you and I could experience an average or ordinary life. He came so that we could begin experiencing the untold benefits of His gift of eternal life while we are still on this earth. While He warned us that our lives would not be trouble-free (John 16:33), we must never forget that He also promised us lives filled with enjoyment, peace, and blessing.
If you are not experiencing the abundant life that Christ promised, I encourage you to ask yourself, “Am I consistently and faithfully seeking the Lord, believing His Word, and living my life to please Him?”