In John 15:5, Jesus says, “I am the vine, and you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will bear much fruit; for you can do nothing without me.”
It is an interesting thought…this notion of abiding in Christ. To abide means to stay where you are. Colossians 3:3 gives a picture of exactly where it is that we are to stay. The Apostle Paul writes, “For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.” That’s our position…that’s where we are to stay…we are to STAY in Christ. Staying means we don’t just run to Jesus when we’re scared or desperate. Abiding in Christ means we remain in His presence daily…during every season and through every circumstance of life.
Abiding takes more than saying a token prayer, or reading a few biblical words, or singing some praise songs on Sunday. Abiding is not about doing more. It is simply about seeking God and connecting with Him. Today, that connection with God may be about basking in His unconditional love. Tomorrow, my connection may be His strength that I need so much. Whatever our need may be, we can always find it in God’s presence.
Is it possible to live a life in constant contact with God and His love all day long? It was for Jesus. Therefore, it must be possible for us too. Our challenge each day is to find out what it is that God is doing in our little corner of the world, and join Him in doing whatever that is. We need to become aware of how our personal thoughts, and actions, and even our attitudes, relate to our activity with God…our abiding in Him.
It doesn’t take a very hard look to see what God is doing in our neighborhoods, when we take time to see His hand in some of our institutions and services. Look at God’s working in the South Side Mission in Peoria, or at the Pekin Union Mission. Look at God’s working in homeless shelters and food banks. Learn to discern the presence of God in everyday life, and join forces with God in what He is doing. Abiding will become a lot less of a discipline and more of a labor of love in God’s work.
Dear Lord, how I long to live each day with You, abiding in Your love, power, peace, and strength. Lord, I will stay in this moment with thoughts on You until I experience Your connection with me. So, Lord, come meet with me today. Teach me to remain with You always. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
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