I believe that God delights in our conversations with Him. In Matthew 7:7 (NIV) Jesus said, “Ask and you will receive.” So every year I ask God to give me a word or a phrase that He would like me to focus on, to listen for, to dig deeper into and the word for this year has been ‘abundance’. I have studied the Scriptures that God gave regarding abundance and there are so many!

One of my favorites for this year has been 2 Corinthians 9:7-8 (NLT). “God loves a person who gives cheerfully. And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others.” There are so many principles to take to heart and practice every day just in that one passage of Scripture.

You know what I discovered this year? I became almost hyperalert to the blessings of God in my life, in my family, at my workplace, and all around me. God is the God of abundance and He loves to pour out His blessings and His favor on us. He does it every day. The question is: are we watching for it? are we giving Him thanks for it?

Probably the most read chapter in the Bible, Psalm 23, even references His abundance in verse 5 (NIV). “You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.” Just consider this year when you have felt surrounded by those who are against you…right in the middle of all that chaos…God set a table for you, poured His anointing oil over your head…and filled your cup…not to the brim…but over the top and running over…into the saucer and maybe even onto the table! THAT is abundance.

Maybe you would ask God for a word for this next year? Experience the joy of having a theme and staying alert to all that God wants to show you in it. Write it down. I think your journey will be sweet.