Since I’m impatient with a pen in my hand, I have created my own flowy shorthand.  It’s efficient and even fun to dash down a symbol and carry on. I particularly relish the swoops and loops of the ampersand I use in place of “and” in all my writing.

I’ve also come to love the ampersand for what it means to me: it’s been described as a broken infinity sign- a reminder while nothing lasts forever, there is always an “and”. 

We can grow cynical that everything in this world is fleeting and temporary, that all is vanity (Ecclesiastes 1:2 NIV) or we can embrace that while things of this world come to an end there are many things that will last forever. God’s word will stand forever (Isaiah 40:8 NIV) along with his many promises to continually bless us.

While things of this world may come to an end, God will always provide an “and”.

The scriptures, again and again, point us to many ways in which God provides new beginnings and lasting certainties.

When we hit a dead end and we either can’t possibly think of a way out or we force ourselves to conjure up a far-fetched scenario that seems unlikely. When we can’t image our life improving, we can know that God has an “and” in store for us.

“He is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, with his power at work within us.” (Ephesians 3:20 ESV)

When there is a sudden shift, when the rug has been pulled out from under us and we have no time to process, God can use those unforeseen events for our good. 

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28 ESV)

When our normal is disturbed, the world feels upside down, and we are filled with anxiety, God tells us to pray.

“And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6-7 ESV)

When we experience grief, when the person who was our rock and cheerleader passes away, or sometimes worse chooses to leave, we know Christ is compassionate and that  we will rejoice once again

“[…] and no one will take way your joy.” (John 16:22 ESV)

Look for the “ands”.

When reading scripture, look for the little word “and”. Countless passages in scripture strategically use the word “and” to connect an invitation to an abundance of blessings.  

“In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.”  (Proverbs 3:6)

 “Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you.”  (James 4:8)

 “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” (Matthew 6:33)

Many verses intentionally use the word “and” to show continuation of blessings rather than a conditional statement of if/then. Acknowledging God, drawing near to God and seeking the kingdom of God are blessings of their own, and God provides additional blessings on top.

We can look for “ands” in our stories and see the kingdom of God in our world. The more we look for the “ands” in our daily lives, the more we adjust our hearts to appreciate God’s goodness all around us.

See the abundance.

An abundance mindset knows that goodness and blessings are not always tangible. We are never promised an abundance of blessings in the form of success and stuff according to society’s standards. The abundance of blessings we receive from God is heavenly and spiritual before it is earthly and material (Ephesians 1:3 NIV).

An abundance mindset does not look for worldly prosperity but for signs of God’s providence.

Because His providence always provides much more valuable riches.

When describing himself as a shepherd, Jesus says, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” (John 10:10 ESV)

There is no room for a mindset that steals our courage to try and kills our motivation by dandling comparison nearby. A scarcity mindset, a favorite of the thief, is one that destroys our dreams by filling our mind with doubt.  And when things do come to an end, as is the natural course of many things in our world, the thief rejoices. He tells us that endings are final and nothing good could ever come again. 

But there is always an “and”. 

Through Jesus, we are able to see the many “ands” along with an abundance of God’s riches. “And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency, in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work.” (2 Corinthians 9:8 ESV) This grace not only defeats a scarcity mindset, but this abundance of grace leads to a mindset of generosity.

With Jesus as our shepherd and savior, we can have an abundant life. We can fully enjoy our riches while freely giving, just as grace was freely given to us.

 We can cheer for other people when they have an “and” moment in their lives, knowing we will get our own customized, perfect fitting version of an “and” in our lives at the right time.

We can freely give and share, knowing there is always an “and”.

We gladly share our resources and riches, knowing there is always an “and”.  

God provides many blessings, but the greatest “and”, His most abundant blessing, is His love.

“Love never ends. As for prophecies, they will pass away, as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge it will pass away.” (1 Corinthians 13:8 ESV)

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Grace is a writer based in coastal Georgia. She invites readers to explore and wonder about the goodness of God and make their own faith discoveries. Her husband and cats cheer her on, swimming is her escape and cheese is her fuel.