By Catherine N Kärnbo
Are you so focused on what you lack that you have become blind to the abundance already in your life? Do you feel a sense of discontent? Many of us struggle with feeling that we don’t have enough — in our relationships, finances, gifts, abilities, or material things. This focus on scarcity can prevent us from embracing the fullness of God’s blessings.
Scripture offers numerous reminders of God’s abundance, yet many Christians find themselves stuck in a scarcity mindset. In a society often marked by dissatisfaction, we tend to worry and strive to have what others possess while neglecting the blessings in our own lives. Romans 8:5 says: “Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires.” Shifting our mindset is vital, as it directs our focus toward what truly matters.
In Genesis, we see an example of how focusing on lack can lead to loss. The serpent, crafty and manipulative, tempts Eve by directing her attention to what she didn’t have rather than what she did. God had provided Adam and Eve with a garden full of every plant, animal, and resource they could need. He commanded them: “Of every tree of the garden, you may freely eat, but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat.” Yet, the serpent twists God’s words and plants seeds of doubt, asking: “Did God say you shall NOT eat of every tree of the garden?” (Genesis 3:1). In that moment, Eve overlooks the abundance freely given and focuses instead on the one tree she was asked to avoid. This decision, driven by perceived lack, changed everything.
When we focus on what we lack, we often become drained mentally, physically, and spiritually. The enemy comes only to steal, kill, and destroy (John 10:10). Dwelling on scarcity blinds us to gratitude and robs us of joy, faith, and contentment. It can lead to envy, comparing ourselves with others, and feeling unfulfilled. A scarcity mindset can also prevent us from seeing the opportunities God places before us.
In Psalm 115:16, we are reminded: “The highest heavens belong to the Lord, but the earth he has given to mankind.” This verse speaks to God’s gift of abundance and stewardship to us. Sadly, in a world that sometimes appears limited in resources, Christians may struggle to focus on God’s intentions for a life of abundance. We might even recite verses about provision while still allowing thoughts of scarcity to take root. However, there are ways we can renew our minds to move from lack to abundance.
Practical steps to shift your mindset
- Practice gratitude: Start each day by listing three things you are grateful for. It could be family, shelter, health, or any other blessing. This simple practice can rewire your brain to focus on abundance.
- Meditate on God’s promises: Spend time daily reflecting on Scriptures that speak of God’s provision. His word is a light to our path (Psalm 119:105) and can serve as a powerful reminder of His faithfulness.
- Give generously: Giving often reveals how much we truly have. Proverbs 18:16 says: “A man’s gift makes room for him and brings him before great men.” Generosity helps us see that we give not to receive but because we have already been blessed. It shifts our focus from lack to an awareness of the abundance we hold.
- Speak life-giving words: Your words can shape your reality. Instead of saying: “I can’t afford that” or “I don’t have enough,” try saying: “That’s not a priority for me right now.” This small shift reminds you of your power to make choices and helps eliminate feelings of lack.
- Celebrate small wins: Embracing an abundance mindset involves acknowledging and celebrating even the smallest blessings in our lives. Reflect on how far you have come and how God has worked in your life.
- Celebrate others’ successes: Join in celebrating those around you who are experiencing blessings. Surround yourself with people who are positive and faith-filled, and their mindset will encourage and inspire you.
- Be diligent with what you have: God often works through what we already possess. When God asked Moses, “What is in your hand?” He turned Moses’ staff into a tool for miracles. Be faithful in your current circumstances, and trust God to use them for His purpose (Exodus 4:2).
Remember that God is the author of abundance, freedom, and life, while the enemy promotes lack, bondage, and despair. In our pursuit of more, it’s crucial to recognise that it is God who gives us strength and ability to produce all we need. As 2 Peter 1:3 tells us, “His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life.”
A mindset of gratitude, contentment
We can choose to break free from the chains of scarcity and embrace God’s promises of abundance. Gratitude and contentment are key to living in God’s abundance, as they refocus our attention from what we lack to what we possess. This is not to say that ambition or goals are wrong, but a contented heart finds joy in the present while trusting God for the future.
When we shift our focus, we align ourselves with God’s perspective and make room for His blessings to flow freely in our lives. This shift is not always easy, but as we renew our minds daily, it becomes a pathway to experiencing God’s abundance. Remember, God does not want us to live in lack or worry; He wants us to enjoy His fullness and share it with others.
As we place our trust in Him, let us continually say, “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want” (Psalm 23:1). Our lives are enriched when we see our needs as opportunities for God’s provision.
