Every year we camp in a state park. Truthfully, my husband does more of the camping, and I enjoy the great outdoors while “glamping” at night in a space with more amenities. I always feel closer to God during these times because life is quieter, and I walk peaceful trails with beautiful scenery, including deer and other wildlife. Everything is so still and unhurried. I feel I can easily abide and dwell with the Lord in this setting. I want to abide with the Lord like this at work, at home, and in all settings. How about you?
The word “abide” is derived from the Greek meno, meaning to remain, stay, or dwell. The word “abide” appears approximately 118 times in the New Testament, mostly in the book of John. To “abide in the Lord” means to live in a continual, intimate, and dependent relationship with Him. This involves trusting His Word, obeying His commands, and allowing the Holy Spirit to transform our lives so we bear spiritual fruit. Christ lives in you and me, and we live in Him. How wonderful is that! This is not just a superficial relationship but a deep, daily reliance expressed through faith, obedience, and communion with God, making Him the source of our value (our identity) and direction.
In John 15:5, Jesus revealed the most important process for living the best life possible. It is life at the very highest level. Jesus called it “abundant life,” and that is an extension of the eternal life that we receive the instant we put our faith in Jesus as Savior and Lord:
“I am the vine; you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for apart from Me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5)
God wants us to experience elevated levels of love, joy, peace, and the other “fruits” of the Spirit—kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. He wants us to be fruitful in knowing Him, growing in Him, and living out His purposes and plans. I want more of this every day, so I looked at ways to deepen my relationship with the Lord. I really like the list below. It is simple but so good.
Ways to Abide in Christ:
- Daily abiding in God’s Word. It is not the quantity of what we read as much as the quality—what we get out of it. Pray, seek to understand it, and apply it accordingly.
- Daily abiding in prayer.
- Daily abiding in silence. Be still and listen to God’s still, small voice.
- Daily abiding in meditation. Think about God’s Word—chew on it.
- Daily abiding in faith. Believe God’s Word. Trust in Him.
I plan to “glamp” more with Jesus at home, at work, when I am stuck in traffic, wherever I am. How can you abide more in Christ? Peace and hope await!
