Abide

From time to time, the Lord will use repetition to get my attention and it usually involves a specific phrase or word. This repetition basically translates as a knock, knock, knock on the door of my heart. These repeated words will show up in a sermon, a billboard, or in this case a song:

“You’re the way, the truth and the life.
You’re the well that never runs dry.
I’m the branch and you are the vine.
Draw me close and teach me to abide.
Be the strength of my life.
Be my all, my treasure, my prize.
I am yours forever your mine.
Draw me close and teach me to abide.”
~Abide by Aaron Keyes

So what does “abide” mean? Well, in part, Merriam-Webster defines it as bearing patiently, waiting , accepting without objection, remaining stable or fixed, and continuing in a place. In our fast-paced world, abiding does not come naturally. It requires us to slow down, sit still, and quiet ourselves. In fact, in this productivity-focused world, it may even be frowned upon or considered lazy. I’m sure all of us can remember times we have mentally battled over spending time with the Lord or getting that to-do list started. As if abiding with Christ doesn’t accomplish something!

Which brings us to the question: why abide with the Lord? Let’s go back to Pastor Aaron’s song…
“For my waking breath.
For my daily bread.
For the sun to rise.
For my sleep at night.
Where your Sprit leads I’m following.
For the victories still in front of me.
As I pass through death
As I enter rest.
For eternal life
To be raised with Christ.
….I depend on you.”

We abide because we are fully dependent on the Lord for life. All of it. Even the most vulnerable part of life – death – finds us fully dependent on God. Life without abiding is, well, lifeless. Abiding with the Lord is how we lay down burdens, receive refreshing, welcome healing, become more Christ-like, and are filled with power to get back to our Father’s business. Abiding is how we point people to Jesus.

Please allow me to gently remind us all that the Lord has placed people in our lives and they are watching us. Family, friends, and strangers alike. They notice how we walk through life – celebrations and struggles. What makes us different? Why should they trust this Jesus we claim to love? While we should not slip into the dangers of performance, we do need to keep time with the Lord a high priority. Why? When we spend time in the presence of the Lord, we are changed in our minds, words, and actions. He changes us and that results in us carrying the presence of the Lord – splashing it out on to those around us. Our obedience to abide demonstrates to others how to abide with the Lord themselves. We leave footprints for them to follow into His presence….where they lay down burdens, receive refreshing, welcome healing, become more Christ-like, are filled with power…and they are changed too. 

And isn’t that what we are prayerfully trying to accomplish? Through emails, phone calls, community outreaches, coffee conversations, Bible studies, worship gatherings, our very lives….it is all meant to point people to the only thing we really have. Jesus. Abiding. With. Jesus. He is our everything.

As you go about your day, I pray that you will find time to simply abide with Him. To receive His hand-picked gifts for you. I pray that your body would relax into His strong embrace. That your soul would be soothed and restored. Your mind renewed. I pray that you would hear His loving reminder that…

You are adored.