I waited patiently for the Lord; he inclined to me and heard my cry. He drew me up from the desolate pit, out of the miry bog, and set my feet upon a rock, making my steps secure. He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God. Many will see and fear, and put their trust in the Lord.
[Excerpted from “Creative Abundance” by Ron Harmon, May/June 2026 Herald, pp. 26–27]
When I was growing up, my mom made the best chocolate chip cookies. Warm, soft in the middle, just the right amount of chocolate, and slightly under baked. In my mind, those cookies were a scarce resource. If anyone grabbed one before I did, that meant there was one fewer for me.
These cookies weren’t actually scarce at all—my mom could make another batch any time. But I didn’t live as if that were true. I lived as if what I had was all there was. That’s scarcity thinking.
Many of us learn that way of seeing the world early on. We carry it with us into adulthood, into our relationships, our finances, our politics, even our faith. We live in a culture that constantly tells us there isn’t enough—enough money, enough time, enough security, enough opportunity.
Consumer driven economics in highly developed national economies reinforces this message, encouraging us to accumulate, compete, and protect what we have as if our well being depends on it. Over time, scarcity thinking shapes our fears, narrows our imagination, and pulls us away from one another.
The gospel tells a different story. God’s vision for creation is not one of scarcity, but of abundance—life overflowing with possibility, generosity, and wellbeing for all. God’s creative abundance inspires this vision and invites us to embrace it.
At its heart lies a simple yet profound truth: All abundance originates with God, who gives generously for the benefit of all creation. When we embody this truth, we are liberated to become co-creators with God, sharing what we have so that life may flourish more fully for everyone.
The vision of creative abundance does not ignore the suffering in our world. Many communities still lack clean water, safe homes, education, and basic healthcare. Our planet also suffers from human overconsumption and environmental degradation. These problems are serious and urgent. They show not just a lack of resources, but a failure to share what belongs to God and is meant for everyone’s well-being.
Scripture reminds us that true abundance is not measured by what we own, but by how we relate—to God, to one another, and Earth.
This is why economic justice and climate justice belong together. The same systems that concentrate wealth and privilege also exploit land, water, and delicate—but life-giving—ecosystems. Those who are already poor or marginalized are often the first to suffer the effects of climate disruption.
Inspired counsel in Doctrine and Covenants 163 challenges us to awaken to suffering and truly become communities of Christ that embody a just and peaceful alternative. Caring for the poor and caring for Earth are not competing commitments; they are expressions of the same faithfulness.
Prayer Phrase
“And all these things will be added to you” (Matthew 6:33).
Abundant Blessings
At the close of the day, reflect on where you noticed God’s blessings, especially in unexpected places. Offer a prayer of thanks and try to release any worry, trusting that God’s abundance will meet you again tomorrow.
Today’s Prayer for Peace
Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.