Abiding is one of the most beautiful words in the English
language! It includes the concept of union, oneness, fullness, belonging,
continuity, prevailing, resting and being made complete. It conjures up visions
of luxuriating in a huge feather bed, floating on still waters, lying down in a
field of flowers, of having no lack and feeling perfectly comfortable. Abiding
in Christ actually does supply us with this combination of safety and
provision.
Abiding in Christ also provides us with a restored soul as
His goodness and mercy pursue us all the days of our life (Psalm 23). God
gives us all of His blessings, but so often we turn from them and from Him. We
choose to live life through our own effort, so that we will gain the power and
praise. We refuse to submit to the Spirit’s direction because we want to live
life our own way. We compromise with the flesh, the world and the devil and we
ruin our testimony to the world and our union with our Heavenly Father.
I challenge you to turn from living life your way and
choose God’s way instead. Hold fast to His promises, acquire His blessings and
allow His Spirit to incorporate His fruit and gifts into your life. God beckons
us to come to Him to find rest for our soul – our mind, will and emotions (Matthew
11:28-29). God calls us to take up His yoke, so that He may bear the
weight of our load. A yoke is not torturous or restraining, but enabling;
as long as we yield to His will each moment of the day.
Abiding in Christ brings us complete peace and joy, which
defy description and go beyond human reasoning. The longer we walk with God,
the deeper we abide in His rest. We feel complete in Him and experience
intimate fellowship and enduring fulfillment. This happens gradually as we
surrender more and more of our humanity and carnality to Christ’s divinity
within us, as we abide under the shadow of His wings (Psalm
91:1).
We live in perfect rest as we relinquish our self to God
and entirely surrendered our life to His management and care. Christ reigns
supreme in every area of our life. We live in undivided commitment to Him with
our whole spirit, soul and body. We seek to please Him and to further His
kingdom with our every thought, word and action. We have no hidden agendas or
ulterior motives. We simple rest in His love and abide in His presence
continually.
Prayer:
Father God, simply taking up Your yoke eases our burdens
and keeps us in the center of Your will. You care for us as a mother nurtures
her child. You protect us as a father who rises up to defend his family. We are
joint heirs with Christ and children of Your Kingdom (Romans
8:17). As we fully trust in You, You supply all of our needs and fill our
soul with gladness (Philippians 4:19; Psalm 4:7). Remind us to surrender
every part of our life to You. Help us to obey your directives, walk in Your
Spirit and abide in You.
Thought for the Day:
In the heart of God we find safety and victory, peace and
rest, acceptance and encouragement. 