Read: John 15:4-5, Psalm 91:1-2
For years, every summer, I biked the Virginia Creeper Trail. I loved everything about it: the beauty, the smell, the sounds, and the feel of cool forest air against my skin as my bike raced down a fifteen-mile trail of an abandoned railroad track. For me, this is a place of rest, a sanctuary from the demands and pressures of life.
Do you have a place like this? Maybe a favorite spot in nature, a cozy corner at home, or even a spiritual retreat where you can disconnect from the chaos and reconnect with what truly matters. We cherish these places because of the peace they bring. In these moments, you feel a deep sense of safety, peace, and restoration. But what if this place of rest wasn’t just a physical location but a state of being—a life lived in constant connection with Jesus?
Jesus invites us to abide in Him, to make our home in His presence. Abiding in Jesus isn’t just about a one-time decision or a specific location; it’s about a continual, daily choice to dwell in Him, allowing His presence to permeate every aspect of our lives. Psalm 91 speaks of dwelling in the shelter of the Most High and abiding in the shadow of the Almighty. This imagery invites us to see abiding not as a task but as a place of refuge and strength, where we can find rest and renewal.
Abiding in Christ means letting His life flow through us as naturally as a vine nourishes its branches. Just as a branch cannot bear fruit unless it remains connected to the vine, we cannot live the life Jesus calls us to unless we remain connected to Him. This connection is nurtured through daily practices of prayer, meditation, and immersing ourselves in God’s Word.
Reflect on where you seek refuge and rest in your daily life. How can you make abiding in Jesus your place of sanctuary? Consider how you can practice dwelling in His presence, allowing His peace and strength to fill every part of your life.
Questions for Reflection:
- Where do you currently find rest and refuge in your life?
- How can you make abiding in Jesus a daily practice and not just an occasional retreat?
- What does it mean for you to find your home in Christ’s presence, and how can this transform your daily life?