In a world filled with distractions and never-ending demands, nurturing a deep and meaningful intimate relationship with our Lord Jesus Christ can be challenging and requires discipline to have a fulfilled life. I struggle with this, and I’m sure you do too. It seems like the moment you decide to sit down and pray; the to-do list starts running in your head. l The concept of “abiding” takes us beyond casual interactions and invites us into profound intimacy with Christ. So, can you and I cultivate a steadfast, abiding relationship with Him? Here are a few steps to get us in the right direction:
**1. Daily fellowship through Prayer and Meditation: Begin your day by setting aside intentional time for prayer and meditation. Create a sacred space to quiet your heart and mind, allowing you to commune with God. Believe it or not, God enjoys hearing from you and sharing your days with Him like any father. Pour your thoughts, dreams, ideas, and concerns, and give Him time to speak. We often go to God and pour out our burdens but never stay long enough to allow Him to speak. Meditate on the Scriptures and let your heart align with God’s word. In Joshua 1:8, we hear the importance of meditating on God’s word: “ This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.” This is the secret to a successful and fulfilled life.
**2. Immerse Yourself in His Word: God’s Word is a wellspring of wisdom, comfort, and guidance. As mentioned in Joshua 1:8, His word is not to depart from your eyes. Regularly immerse yourself in Scripture, not as a mere ritual but as a way to absorb His truth. Ask the Holy Spirit to give you the Spirit of wisdom and understanding in the knowledge of God and to open the eyes of your understanding (Ephesians 2:17-18) as you read the verses to know how to apply them to your life. Memorize passages that you’re studying so they become a constant source of inspiration and strength.
**3. Obedience as an Act of Love: Abiding involves aligning your life with Christ’s teachings. Obedience isn’t a burden; it’s an expression of your love for Him. As you follow His commandments, you open the door for a deeper connection. Remember John 15:10, “If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love.” We know from 1 Samuel 15:22 that obedience is better than sacrifice, so if we’re to please God, we must obey His word and the Holy Spirit.
**4. Worship Him for Who He Is: Worship is more than singing songs, dancing, or silent contemplation. It is a posture of the heart. Our worship has to be centered around Who God is and His nature, not our feelings or circumstances. Our focus is only on Him as our God and no one else. In that place, we offer thanksgiving, praise, and adoration. Sometimes, the most powerful thing we can do in difficult times is to praise and worship God. In that, we acknowledge that He is Lord over every situation in our lives.
**5. Embrace Stillness and Solitude: Amid life’s noise, find moments of stillness and solitude. Just as Jesus withdrew to solitary places to pray (Luke 5:16), take time to disconnect from the world’s clamor. In the quiet, you’ll sense His presence more keenly and discern His voice more clearly.
**6. Cultivate an attitude of Gratitude and Surrender: A heart filled with gratitude acknowledges God’s blessings, both big and small. Surrender your worries and care to Him, trusting that He knows what’s best for you. Gratitude and surrender work hand in hand to create a space where God’s peace can flourish.
**7. Loving Others as He Loved Us: Abiding isn’t solely an individual pursuit; it overflows into your interactions with others. Love and serve others as Christ loved and served us. By extending kindness, forgiveness, and compassion, you reflect His abiding love.
Remember, abiding isn’t a checklist to complete but a journey to embrace. It’s about deepening your connection with God through authentic and consistent efforts. As you commit to these seven steps, you’ll find that your relationship with Christ blossoms into a vibrant, unbreakable bond—one that sustains you through every season of life.
