Abiding in His Love

“If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and your joy may be full.” _— John 15:10-11 ESV

When my girls were young, my days revolved around a calendar crammed with activities. Life became a blur as I rushed to fulfill every duty on my list. I needed to fit valuable, quiet time in the Lord’s presence into my daily schedule.

As each morning’s alarm sounded, I'd jump out of bed and rush into the kitchen to prepare meals. The aroma of bacon and coffee drifted in the air as I knocked on my daughters’ bedroom door. “Girls, breakfast is ready.” Yawning, they'd often stumble to the kitchen table, collapse into their chairs, and eat while I packed their lunchboxes.

After breakfast, I'd often be heard shouting, “Hurry! We're going to be late.” They'd bolt outside, run to our Pinto hatchback, and climb into the back. When we would arrive at my sister’s home, our oldest daughter would leap from the car and race toward the children playing at the bus stop. Gathering my toddler in my arms, I'd carry her into the house. After hugging and kissing them, I'd hurry to work, where deadlines, customers, and constant calls awaited. Mornings passed without me pausing and marveling at the precious gift of life, the brilliant blue sky, the love of our God, and the gift of my healthy family.

While chasing the obligations of the world, I neglected to spend sufficient time alone with Christ. Focusing on the girls’ activities, our home, and my job left little time for my husband or God. Relationships require unwavering devotion and nourishment to survive. Thus, my bond with both God and my spouse suffered.

Then, the Holy Spirit reminded me that life is short, so don’t waste it on trivial things. His nudge prompted me to concentrate on Christ and His purpose. I had become too busy, and I failed to pursue Him first. So, before sunrise, I tiptoed through the dark to the kitchen table, sat, and opened my Bible. Each hour of silence with God prepared my soul for what lay ahead that day.

Weeks later, I stood in our village’s small local post office. While chatting with my neighbor, I mentioned how my decision to focus on Christ changed my husband’s attitude. My friend stared at me and responded, “Are you certain the change wasn’t within you?” Duh, of course God wanted to change me.

Her question revealed that putting God first by reading the Bible and praying had created contentment, which made me less prone to letting circumstances overwhelm me. This change led to me abiding in Christ, which allowed His love to flow uninterrupted and strife to disappear. There will be distractions, and the devil will continue to attack me. But nothing is impossible when I surrender to Jesus. Abiding requires an enduring closeness to Him and keeping His commandments. I am a branch, and Jesus is the vine. My spirit lives because I’m connected to Him. To thrive, I must remain connected. John 15:5 says, “Whoever abides in me and I in him will bear much fruit; without Him, we can do nothing.” Followers of Christ must dedicate themselves to knowing and doing what pleases Him to keep their spirits alive.

Whenever we meditate on Scripture and pray, we receive spiritual nourishment from feasting on His Word. Over time, God changes our attitude — the miracle of His transformative power begins its work in us. Each step on the journey with Him brings our will closer into alignment with His, and we grow more like Christ.

During Christ’s last meal with His disciples, He broke bread and poured out wine. Then, He told them to remember that He broke His body and shed His blood out of love for all mankind. We can’t comprehend the magnitude of His voluntary sacrifice and unselfish love. He suffered a cruel and agonizing death to save sinners from God’s judgment. He gives us the freedom to either accept or reject His limitless love.

God’s way is best because it saves us from our sinful nature. Allowing Jesus to be Lord challenges us to relinquish control, which is contrary to our natural bent toward ourselves as God. Acknowledging that we are powerless to alter our circumstances, but that He has the power to accomplish the impossible, opens God’s floodgates of heaven. He blesses us with indescribable peace and joy when we surrender our concerns to Him. We discern that our haven is found in submission to Jesus and under the divine care of Almighty God.

His Word says that we will have trials and tribulations. Sometimes, our trials are Satan’s attempt to discourage, defeat, or make us ineffective. Although God didn’t promise to change every situation, He did promise to walk through every one of them with us.

During hardships, when we turn to God, He helps us fight spiritual battles and gives us peace amid sorrow. The miracle isn’t that our circumstances change, but that our hearts, thoughts, and attitudes change. His presence is our assurance of His love and joy. The Holy Spirit’s powerful work transforms and enables us to bear good fruit. The fruit of the Spirit is a natural transition as we walk with God and yield to His commandments and guidance. He produces love, joy, peace, patience, and kindness in us. The foundation of our joy is a heart surrendered to Him. We persevere and overcome adversity because the joy of the Lord is our strength!

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Prayer — God, I am forever grateful for your divine presence alive within me and your unconditional love. Your presence is assurance of the promise to never forsake those who trust in Your Son, Jesus. Forgive me for the times I failed to obey your commandments and love you above everyone and everything else. Thank you for the indwelling of Your Spirit, who opens my eyes to discern and my ears to hear what the Holy Spirit reveals. Please remind me to examine myself, seek you, and remain humble and faithful. Because Jesus lovingly sacrificed Himself, I receive forgiveness for my sins, past, present, and future. When I stumble, your mercy endures and encourages me to continue the journey. My heart is full of love, joy, and peace. With gratitude and honor, I pray in the name of Jesus, your precious only Son. Amen.

Your Turn —What keeps you anchored and abiding in God’s love?

What does “abide in Christ” (God’s) love mean to you?

When were you busy and didn’t pursue God?

What is interfering with your relationship with God?

How have worldly cares become first in your life rather than your relationship with God? 

How have you disobeyed God without realizing it?