Are you living your best life? Do you take it upon yourself to make it happen?
The concept of manifestation has been around a while, but it has become much more popular in recent years. Social media has been buzzing with different takes on manifesting everything you want and more. But before you go searching how to manifest your best life in 30 days through positive thoughts, daily rituals, and vision boards, let’s dig a little deeper.
What Is Manifestation?
Manifestation is the idea that you can bring a positive outcome into your life by simply “claiming” it as your own and believing it will happen. A quick internet search will show you some of your favorite celebrities who say they’ve found success and wealth by mindfully focusing on their dream lives and goals until they became reality. Others swear by the 3-6-9 method – journaling wants and desires multiple times a day, morning, noon, and night until they happen. With manifestation, you are trying to man the control panel of your life.
So, what does the Bible say about manifestation? While the Bible doesn’t specifically talk about manifestation, the Lord does remind us in the Bible repeatedly that He is in control, and we are not. When we try to control our own lives, we lose sight of God’s sovereignty, His trustworthiness, the perfection in His plan, and the abundant life He offers.
Manifesting vs. Praying
In prayer, we are bringing our requests to God and trusting Him with the outcome (Ephesians 3:20) instead of relying on the “universe” or the power within ourselves to make it happen. When you try to manifest a result, you are attempting to pull God out of the equation. In the Bible, God doesn’t mention “manifestation,” but He does command Christians to pray and bring our requests to Him (Philippians 4:6-7).
Here are 4 truths to remember when you struggle with the desire to take life into your own hands, or to trust in manifestation instead of God.
God Is Sovereign Over Everything
“He changes times and seasons; he removes kings and sets up kings; he gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding; he reveals deep and hidden things; he knows what is in the darkness, and the light dwells with him.” (Daniel 2:21-22)
As much as we desire to control our lives, God is the one in control. He is in control of every circumstance and outcome. When we recall this, we are aware of the power God has over us and we are humbly reminded that any good that comes to our lives is through God not our actions or thoughts.
God Can Be Trusted to Work All Things For Our Good
“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28)
Often, when we desire to “take the wheel” or find a new practice to make something happen, it is because we assume we know what is best for us. Newsflash: We don’t! God knows what is best for us because He is holy and all-knowing. He can be trusted to work our circumstances, even the most unbearable, for good and for His greater purpose: to bring Him glory.
God’s Purpose Cannot Be Derailed
“I know that you can do all things, and that no purpose of yours can be thwarted.” (Job 42:2)
While sin forever changed humanity in Genesis, it never changed God’s purpose. God knew what would happen with Adam and Eve, and He knew that Jesus would be crucified on the cross to save all of mankind. No matter how we try to plan, change, or redirect our lives, God promises us that His purpose will be fulfilled.
God Offers Us Abundant Life in Christ
“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” (John 10:10)
We don’t have to strive for an abundant life because Christ freely gives it to us. It is easy to desire worldly things and material possessions in hopes that they will make our lives better, fuller, or more prosperous. If we are constantly in a state of longing for things of this world or apart from His desire for us, we are missing out on the life Christ has for us right now. There isn’t a life better than a life abiding in Him.
No matter how desperately we want to be in control of our careers, dating, and families, God’s plan supersedes every plan we could ever make. And His plan is better! Even if you’re not attempting to “manifest” a mansion or the perfect spouse, don’t ignore the areas of your life where you think you’re doing just fine (or better) with your own plans.
- Have you talked with God through prayer and by reading the Bible?
- Do your desires align with His Word (1 John 2:15-17)?
- Do you trust the plans that God has for you even if you don’t know them fully?
Seasons and circumstances will change regardless of rituals, positive thoughts, or anything we can say or do. But God loves us so much that He’s planned not only our lives on earth, but our eternities with Him. We can be free to rest in the truth that God is powerful, loving, good, and perfect despite any of our attempts to call the shots or “manifest” what we think is best.
