Abide: in His Presence

“Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me...For apart from Me, you can do nothing.”

John 15:4, 5b

Flowers are some of the most beautiful things you can give to someone.

The vibrant colors, the wonderful fragrances, the joy they bring as reminders of the giver who gave them. You receive the flowers, put them in a vase filled with water and enjoy them for a time.

But then they wilt. The colors fade. The fragrance dissipates.

And they get thrown away. Because they no longer hold life. 

Those flowers were once connected to a life source where the roots gathered nutrients and brought the flowers into being. Once cut from the main stem, there’s no longer anything to produce life into them.

They need to be connected to that source of life in order to continue their growth producing fragrance, color, and very being. 

An intimate relationship with our Savior is very much like that. 

Jesus is the vine – the very main source of life. And we are the branches. We must remain connected to Him in order to grow, be fruitful and have life.

If I cut one flower and set it next to the source that once poured life into it, it still would not last because it needs to be embedded into the very essence of the root.

Proximity alone won’t fix it. It has to be connected.

In order for life to pour into us, we must be continuously connected to Him. To commune with Him. To fellowship with Him. To ABIDE in Him.

Closeness with our Savior produces a fragrant aroma and vibrancy to all around us.

We cannot expect the same results of being connected to the vine than we do when we are not. There is no life outside of the life source.

Growth requires staying connected to the root.

But just being in His vicinity is not enough. We need to be actively connected to the vine. In constant communion with the Savior.

Because in His presence is fullness of joy. (Psalm 16:11)

In His presence you will find rest (Exodus 33:14, Psalm 23)

In His presence you will never be forsaken (Hebrews 13:5)

In His presence you will be restored (Psalm 23)

In His presence you will find strength (Joshua 1:9)

In His presence you will be purified (Hebrews 1:3)

In His presence you will be refreshed (Acts 3:20

In His presence you will find forgiveness (2 Chronicles 7:14)

As we draw closer to His presence, all darkness flees. Abide in His presence today. Don’t let things push you away from drawing from the very source of life. 

Intimacy with our Savior over busyness of life.

Worship to the King over worry in the world.

Peace in His presence over anxiety of our minds.

Life everlasting over death in sin.

Purpose in life over wandering in confusion.

Strength through faith over weakness.

James 4:8 “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.”

1 Chronicles 16:11 “Seek the Lord and His strength; seek His presence continually!”

~ Kissy Black