What does the abundant life actually consist of?
The abundant life consists not of material wealth but of redemption, eternal life, and the hope of glory. It includes assurance that Christ controls every moment, freedom from worry and guilt, constant joy amid any circumstance, and access to God's throne in prayer.
Les teaches that the abundant life is the life Christ promised for this earthly sojourn. It is not about having two Cadillacs in the garage or the biggest house in town. Instead, it is a life where circumstances may not always be happy or the greatest, but the joy is there. It includes the assurance that He is in total control of every moment, so we do not have to worry, fret, or feel cut loose without hope, and we do not have to live under a constant burden of guilt. The abundant life means we have been redeemed, we now have eternal life, we have the hope of glory, and we have constant assurance that He knows all about us. We also have access into the throne room of heaven and can pray at any time, any place. Paul could say “Rejoice” even from a dungeon, shipwreck, water, and scourging, showing that joy is not dependent on easy circumstances. Les also notes that it is not limited to the abundant life, for God gives wisdom and prudence, which he describes as good common horse sense.