I’ve always loved a rainy day…even a cloudy day…especially a cool one. Today is one of those days, and I realized that, today, I am again enjoying the rainy day outside my window. Recently, I realized that some of the joy in those days had been lost. I wondered if it would return.
It hasn’t been a year yet since my mom passed, and only around a year and a half prior since Dad. After Dad passed, Mom grieved what seemed like almost continually. I felt her pain, but I couldn’t fix her. I could do my best to encourage her, but I couldn’t give her the joy that she needed…that I wanted desperately to give. The great empathy I had for her pain had carried over into my life to a degree although she is no longer suffering. It was not constant, but recognizable…especially on a rainy or cloudy day…reminding me of her heartache.
Last week, I was exhausted from volunteering to work at church kids’ camp. I was missing Mom and Dad, and then there was some relationship hurt. It all came down kind of heavy on me. I am since recovering and was reminded of a few things…
I mentioned in a previous article that the word I chose as my “Word of the Year” this year was ABIDE. After exhausting myself volunteering to do something that took me away from my current goals, with no pressure from anyone else really…simply a decision I chose to make; and then adding in the above mentioned, I ‘heard’ the gentle reminder to “abide.” In spite of maybe not making the best decision, God still chose to whisper His reminder to abide…to remain in Him…a call to rest and to continue.
God also reminded me that, “I am still here for a reason.” Feeling somewhat lonely (which is very unusual for me most of the time because I enjoy and crave time alone, especially if it is scarce), but yet needing time to wind down and be alone; and then not finding joy in much of the norm, had brought to mind for a day or two for what purpose did I even still have. Although I knew that in my mind that it is to bring glory to God through Christ, I wasn’t “feeling it.” Don’t get me wrong, I love living! It is just that this new season for me incorporates changes and adjustments on many levels…not all bad…just that adjustments take some adjusting! But…it wasn’t long before God reminded me that, “I am still here for a reason.” With all of the chaos in the world in recent years, I have often been reminded that I (we) are here, “for such a time as this.” [reference Esther 4:14]
There is a still a reason and a purpose…for me…and for you.
That all leads me into this…
First, some definitions of abide: [from Dictionary.com app]
verb (used without object),
• to remain; continue; stay
• to have one’s abode; dwell; reside
• to continue in a particular condition, attitude, relationship, etc.; last
Next, breaking it down…
(1) “Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.”
John 15:4-5 ESV
https://bible.com/bible/59/jhn.15.4-5.ESV
“…for apart from me you can do nothing.” 1–I can’t accomplish anything without Him; and 2–I have been guilty too often of striving to figure out the right thing to be doing. Jesus tells us to abide in Him…remain; continue; stay; dwell; reside—in Him. Sometimes, I stress and strain until I am exhausted to figure things out; when He tells us to simply abide. That’s not to say we don’t work when we follow Him; but to me this offers a sigh of relief. If I “continue” in Him, I will bear fruit. There is no, “You might bear fruit—you will!
I desire to be found faithful, and I guess I have to admit that I worry more than I ought that I am not doing enough. I feel that has its root in several sources. I’ll just say this, I think we as Christians need to be very careful not to put our expectations, or stipulations, (over top of God’s Word) on others creating a burden of “never enough” on them that God did not intend for us to carry. I am talking to myself here, too. I know I have not just been on the receiving end. When I think of the slower paced times of the Bible and the feasts and celebrations, and the day-to-day work and activities, I find a calm that can elude us today if we aren’t careful.
I definitely believe in works. [“But someone will say, “You have faith and I have works.” Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works.” James 2:18 ESV https://bible.com/bible/59/jas.2.18.ESV ]. I just believe that can look very different for each of us. God sees what we are doing even when man doesn’t. [See Romans 12:3-8.]
(2) “If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned.”
John 15:6 ESV
https://bible.com/bible/59/jhn.15.6.ESV
It’s easy to want to skim this verse too quickly, but we must not forget the importance of abiding in Him…accepting Jesus as Savior and continuing in Him.
(3) “If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples.”
John 15:7-8 ESV
https://bible.com/bible/59/jhn.15.7-8.ESV
Abide. Ask. As a result, glorify the Father; bear much fruit; and prove to be His disciple.
(4) “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love.”
John 15:9 ESV
https://bible.com/bible/59/jhn.15.9.ESV
My former pastor once told me that I needed to, “Rest in Him.” (Jesus). This verse reminds me of that time. Abide—dwell in “my” love. Why are we so resistant sometimes? It also reminds me to, ““Be still, and know that I am God…”” [From Psalm 46:10 ESV]. It reminds me that “He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.” Psalm 23:2-3 ESV [ https://bible.com/bible/59/psa.23.2-3.ESV ] It’s not always about the doing; although that is necessary, too, there is a balance to be found.
(5) “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.”
John 15:10 ESV
https://bible.com/bible/59/jhn.15.10.ESV
Obeying equals abiding. Sometimes, it might feel hard to know, but if we take a step back and start with the basics; trust Him; read His Word; surrender to Him as Lord of your life; we can learn His voice and better obey. I don’t want to overcomplicate this walk because Satan would love nothing more than to create confusion and steal our joy; nor do I want that for you.
(6) “These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.”
John 15:11 ESV
https://bible.com/bible/59/jhn.15.11.ESV
That’s what I’m talkin’ ‘bout right there. I seek joy. I thirst for it—I crave it!! As I am sure that each person reading this does…and if you don’t, you should; and I wish it for you! …because Jesus said…
“I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.”
John 10:9-10 ESV
https://bible.com/bible/59/jhn.10.9-10.ESV
So, as I conclude on this cool June evening, I have enjoyed the rain today, having the windows open, and opening up a bit to you today (not always an easy task). I recently felt the gentle reminder of how much—without question—that that my earthly father loved me and accepted me. I celebrate that love…and recognize that my Heavenly Father established that relationship, and also made a way through Jesus to express an even greater abiding love that is available to each of us.
Note: This article was written four days ago; and I continue to feel more rested and back to myself. I woke up yesterday morning, and for some reason, was thinking about the kitchen at my mom and dad’s house…so many memories…but instead of feeling sad, it made me smile…and look forward to writing an article celebrating such!
Simply Celebrate With Jackie 