ENCOURAGED in Every Season: Abide in Christ, Being Present with Jesus in Everyday Moments (Part 8 of 12)
In this ENCOURAGED series, I am passionate about you knowing your Faithful God in every season of your life. As you seek Jesus daily, I desire you to grow in your faith and relationship with Him so you can joyfully embrace Him as your true Encourager and proclaim His faithfulness to others. I pray that you would hold on to the hope and peace found only in Christ and learn how to embrace whatever season you are presently in your life, bringing glory to Him.
Continuing with the ENCOURAGED acrostic, the eighth practical way to be encouraged is to:
A~ABIDE IN CHRIST, BEING PRESENT WITH JESUS IN EVERYDAY MOMENTS
“I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in Me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing.” John 15:5
As believers, abiding in Christ is essential to our Christian growth. However, this daily discipline can be a real struggle for us, especially in a busy season with daily demands and distractions upon us. Knowing what abiding is, how to practically abide, the results of abiding, and its ultimate purpose help us to prioritize intentional time in our daily schedule to connect and be present with Jesus in our everyday moments.
~What exactly does it mean to abide in Christ?
The Greek word for “abide,” menó, #3306 in Strong’s Concordance, is a verb meaning “to stay, abide, remain.” The word menó also means “to continue to be present.”
Abiding in Christ communicates a simple resting and trusting in Jesus and obeying His Word as we remain completely dependent and continually present with Jesus in our everyday moments.
Resting in who Christ is, what He has done, and what He will continue to do is the first part of abiding. Trusting in what He has said, believing His promises to us, and hiding His Word in our hearts is the second part of abiding. Lastly, obeying His Word as we continually seek to follow His will and His ways each day is essential to abiding in Christ.
~How do we intentionally abide with Christ?
We get in His Word every day. We have conversations with Jesus in prayer every day—staying connected with Him. Keeping it simple by reading His Word, listening to His heart, and sharing with Him honestly in prayer is key.
Learning to abide is a simple relationship of listening and sharing. All throughout your day, we have full access to talk with the Creator of the Universe about everything—all day, every day.
As we look closely at the word “abide,” we see the words, “a bid”—where Jesus graciously offers us an invitation to us come away with Him for a moment to quiet our hearts and minds in His presence. How amazing is this—being lovingly summoned by the King into His Presence!
Jesus invites us to hide His Word into our hearts and minds each day. As we deepen our prayer life through His Word, we choose to abide in Him, and in turn, His Words will abide in us.
As Christ through His Spirit continues to be present with us, we also continue to be present with Christ as we do everyday life together with Him. We continue to be present by talking with Him in prayer and listening to Him through His Word. Being present with Christ in the middle of our moments keeps us abiding in Him.
~How do we practically get God’s Word into our hearts and minds each day?
You must first find out what is the best way for you to get God’s Word into your heart. Learn what works for you, and make it a daily part of your routine. You may only choose 1-2 verses for that day, writing them down and meditating on them all day long.
Keeping it simple will keep you consistent.
- Write scripture verses on notecards.
- Make His Word into screenshots on your phone.
- Use some practical apps to help you with scripture memory.
- Journal His Word and your prayers.
- Learn how to creatively and artistically letter His Word.
Whatever ways work for you, be diligent to keep His Word at the forefront of your mind all day long.
As you put His Word into your heart—through reading, writing, meditating, and memorizing—the Holy Spirit will draw out His Word and put His Word into practical use as you need it throughout the day.
Journaling your prayers and His Word also helps to imprint His Word on your heart and mind. As you personalize His Word and apply it to your own life, His Word becomes your own—as He speaks His Words and promises to you.
As you believe His Words to you and trust in His promises, you learn to abide in Him.
Knowing He resides and dwells within you gives you assurance that as you choose to spend time with Him through intentional prayer and Bible study—quieting your heart to talk to God and then listening as He speaks to you through His Word—that He will speak to your heart and faithfully answer your prayers.
In addition to getting God’s Word in us each day, we must also obey His Word—applying His Word practically in our everyday moments. Reading His Word each day is not enough, but additionally, we must choose to obey His Word. Walking in obedience to Him is evidence of our love for Him. Jesus shares that if we love Him, then we will obey Him.
“If you love Me, you will obey what I command…Whoever has my commands and obeys them, he is the one who loves me. He who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I too will love him and show Myself to him.” John 14:15, 21
Obedience flows from our love for Him.
~What are the results of abiding in Christ?
Joy—to its full and complete measure—is an inevitable result of abiding in Christ. In addition to immeasurable joy, we become fruit-bearers making an impact with profound, eternal significance. Seasons of pruning are essential in this abiding process. “I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit” (John 15:1,2). The fruit of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control—is evidence of our abiding in Christ and being a follower of Christ (Galatians 5:22-23).
“If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be My disciples. As the Father has loved Me, so have I loved you. Abide in My love. If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love. These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.” John 15:7-11
~What is the ultimate purpose of abiding in Christ?
When we abide in Christ—resting, trusting, obeying Jesus—we bring glory to God.
As followers of Jesus abiding in Christ, what a joy to know that He chose us before the foundation of the world. He appointed us, and we are His daughters and sons.
He revealed Himself to us. He made known the Truth to us. He gave us His Word and His commandments.
Now…
We are to simply rest in Him—in Who He is and what He has done—and trust and obey Him.
As we abide in Christ, He will bear fruit through us that will remain and last with eternal significance. As we abide in His love, we may love others as He has loved us.
The results are…
genuine joy to the fullest,
glory to God, and
friendship with Christ!
- Where are you and your thoughts abiding—in Christ, in prayer and in His Word—or in the world?
- What practical steps can you take to prioritize being present with Jesus in your everyday moments?
- What is one way you can begin personalizing His Word in your own life and make His Word your own?
