How to Live Full
Not every season is lacking. In fact, some seasons are full of feasting and celebrating. If you’re like me, sometimes my fear increases in seasons of ease, wondering when the next shoe is going to drop. So, this post is not to increase your worry, but to help you not discount the importance of a smooth season.
So, how do we continue growing in seasons of plenty?
Charles Spurgeon says,
“We are full, and we forget God: Satisfied with earth, we are content to do without heaven.
It is a divine lesson to know how to be full…”
After a season of life that left me crying out to the Lord daily in petition for answers and strength, I now wake up in a season where the fog has lifted, so to speak. I live where more quiet can be found. I have children in older ages that allow for more margin. I look out my window and see green, instead of concrete.
And my question now is when life really does seem to be moving along more smoothly, how do I still live as dependent upon God as in the barren years?
How does the good news of what Jesus accomplished not lose its significance in the moments of ease?
Train now.
One of my favorite parenting tips that has dramatically shifted my way of thinking is to train during times of non-conflict. Waiting until emotions are high and the battle is raging to have that heart to heart with your child, can lead the child to simply shut down, tune you out and, more times than not, escalate the discussion to a level that is not beneficial or fruitful.
In the same way, we can live life fully reliant upon God even when life feels full by intentionally training now, before that battle, storm, or season of wilderness approaches. We know it will come again. Not one of us is protected from seasons of trial, and chances are even in smoother seasons, there can still be a battle raging in our minds and hearts.
“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” Philippians 4:8 ESV
How do we think on what is pure, lovely, excellent, worthy and true?
We must saturate ourselves with the Word of God daily. Training our minds in the mundane moments allows us to be ready for the significant battles. Train now.
2. Confess often.
Practicing the art of confession is necessary for remembering our need for God. Confession is saying aloud and specifically the ways we take life into our own hands, the desires we tend to want more than Him, and the people we have hurt in the process. Confession keeps us honest with ourselves, that as good as we think we are doing, we are just one small step away from a break down. Confession is a way for us to stay close to the cross.
“Live close to the cross, and search the mystery of His wounds.” - Charles Spurgeon
The beauty of confession is it postures our hearts to be ready for sustainable growth in the Spirit.
Psalm 32 tells us that the one who is blessed is the one who knows their sins are forgiven. In verse 3 it says, “For when I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long.” The progression of the chapter leads us from that bondage to confession and forgiveness in verse 5. As we confess and receive forgiveness, then God becomes a safe place to dwell and we can be led by his true counsel along our path. Confess often.
3. Grow sustainably.
When life is filled with abundance, we can feel like we aren’t growing in the same way as in the seasons of suffering. Deep down, we know this to be true: we know a flower does not grow without harsh pruning. We see the life that comes after the death of winter. So, how do we keep growing in seasons of green?
Growth will come from training and remaining in a posture of confession even if it doesn’t feel like it. It is a powerful cycle of our spiritual journey.
In any season, don’t forget to mark your growth. Journal often how the Lord has delivered you from seasons of trial. Remember and reflect on His faithfulness to you and celebrate it. Use this as a season to rejoice.
I pray that whether you find yourself in a season of want or in a season of plenty today, that your heart would be encouraged by the purpose in each. Now, let’s walk forward both full and fully dependent on the One who truly satisfies.