John 15:4 Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.
What does it mean to remain in, to abide in Christ? I feel most connected to Him during my morning prayer time, in my recliner, with my coffee, reading, studying, listening. It is easy to abide in Him, to sit at His feet, then.
John 15:9 “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love.
But the moment I get up to start my day, it’s like that connection is broken. I get caught up in the world. I default to stress and anxiety, management, control—What needs doing next? Which fire needs putting out?—Jesus feels so far away.
John 15:10 If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love.
Lord, You call me to remain in Your love as a way to abide in You. You call me to love others as You love me as a way to abide in Your love. I do that, Lord. I try. Help me to abide in You so that Your joy can be complete in me. Amen.
John 15:11 I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.
Have a blessed day.