Why does it matter that we learn to abide in Jesus and His word? It matters because God wants us to. Not only does He want us to, but He also desires that we dwell in His presence. This is the love of God that we come to know Him. In the garden, God came down in the cool of the day to hang out with Adam and walk with him. Adam had not done any good works for God to deserve God’s presence. God enjoyed Adam’s company, so He came to hang out with him. God’s original desire towards men in the garden has not changed; He still wants us, and therefore He sent His son to repurchase us from the enemy. Let’s look at what the word says about abiding.
In John 15:7-8, Jesus said, “If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples.”
This passage unveils the many reasons for abiding as a cornerstone of our faith journey. Abiding unlocks the profound assurance that our petitions are heard and answered. The term “ask” here conveys a sense of confident assurance—a childlike request made to a loving Father who delights in fulfilling the desires of His children. The bedrock of this assurance lies in our hope—a hope rooted in God through Christ. The Interplay of Desires and Abiding
Psalm 37:4 sheds further light on abiding.
“Delight yourself also in the Lord, And He shall give you the desires of your heart.”
In delighting and abiding in the Lord, our desires align with His. As we immerse ourselves in His presence, our requests are fashioned in accordance with His divine will. Consequently, our prayers are infused with unwavering confidence, knowing that we ask in harmony with His will.
It’s vital to discern that the power of aligned prayers isn’t about demanding God’s compliance with our will but our alignment with His will for our lives. As F.F. Bosworth eloquently said, “Faith begins where the will of God is known.” When we uncover God’s will through prayer and Scripture, our prayers agree with His will and, therefore, receive our answers.
Returning to John 15:7-8, we uncover more treasures. Abiding is the conduit to discipleship and bearing fruit that glorifies God. Consider this: you can be a Christian without embodying the essence of a disciple. Discipleship surpasses mere religious affiliation; it’s about bearing life-altering, eternal fruit—an outcome distinct from worldly achievements.
Reflecting on the Acts of the Apostles and comparing it to our contemporary lives, a glaring difference emerges. The signs and wonders that followed the apostles in the early Church are often absent from our experiences. God’s power hasn’t diminished; the Holy Spirit’s power remains the same. Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever. The distinction lies in abiding—being rooted in the secret place, fostering an unbroken intimate relationship with God.
John 18:31-32 echoes a critical aspect of abiding: “Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, ‘If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.'”
Abiding in His word unravels the truth that sets us free. Through immersion in Scripture, we grasp the revelation of who Christ is. This knowledge liberates us, guiding us away from the patterns of the world and into His divine will.
The journey of abiding extends beyond knowledge—it shapes our transformation. In Joshua 1:8, we learn that abiding brings prosperity and success.
“Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.”
Abiding involves reading, meditating, confessing, praying, and acting upon His word. In this process, we experience renewal—a renewal of our minds. This renewal empowers us to discern and fulfill God’s perfect will for our lives where our true prosperity and success lies.
In Psalm 91:1-2, we’re reminded of the solace found in abiding in the secret place:
“He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, ‘He is my refuge and my fortress, My God, in Him, I will trust.'”
Dwelling in this secret place isn’t a sporadic visit; it’s a continuous residence. The promise? Divine protection, an unwavering refuge. And here’s the beauty: even when we’ve strayed, the arms of grace welcome us back. Our return to the secret place reignites the journey of abiding.
In conclusion, abiding in Christ isn’t just a temporary once-in-a-while thing; it’s an eternal invitation to a life of abundance, transformation, and unbreakable intimacy. The intimate relationship nurtured through abiding isn’t static; it’s dynamic, deepening, and growing daily. So, let’s lean into this journey, embracing the mysteries and joys of abiding. And as we do, may we find ourselves walking in the fullness of His purpose and the beauty of His presence.
