Day 7: The colors of abundance

We've been told to avoid extremes. Don't show off.  

It's safer that way. 

But that doesn't match the heartbeat of our generous Giver. 

A-bun-dant

{ adjective }

Plentiful. copious. Profuse. Rich. Lavish. Abounding. 

One evening not so long ago, on a not-so-pleasant day, I encountered the abundant Creator. I had received some bad news that reached down deep and rattled my belief that God was for me. A dating relationship I was in turned out not to be the happy ending I hoped it would be. He moved on to the next girl and I just felt stuck, betrayed and really mad. And hurt. But mostly mad. Thinking good company would help, I surrounded myself with some friends after work but all I heard was muffled voices, hushed by the deafening, defeatist self-talk in my head. I wasn't wanted. I was second best. Suddenly, I had the overwhelming urge to go outside alone. It was almost as if the Lord was inviting me to something secret, something beautiful, something transformational. 

I got in my car and drove to nowhere in particular. To my left was the most breathtaking sunset I had ever seen. Colors so vivid, bright, wondrous, alive. There was a variety of color, each distinguishable, yet blended together as if they had no end. My eyes soaked in the sight that spoke to my heart, 

I see you. You are my Delight. Watch in wonder at the colors of my abundant love for you. 

"See what great love the Father has lavished on us that we should be called the children of God!"

{ 1 John 3:1 }

This artistic display of love communicated specifically to me when I needed him to see me the most. He definitely showed off- He delights in going all out to lavishly pour out His love. If there's one thing I've learned about my Father's heart, it's that he gets a lot of joy by taking  our breath away with surprise. 

"The thief comes only to steal, kill and destroy, but I have come so that they may have life, and have it abundantly."

{ John 10:10 }

That's the exciting part about believing in a God of {more than} enough. That He's not only able. He's not only willing. He is extravagant and outlandish. He is the God of abundance. 

"Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever! 

Amen. " 

{ Ephesians 3 }