The key to maintaining inner peace and order is abiding in the LORD. Jesus knew this is so critical that He used the word abide ten times in one chapter! Here’s just a snippet.
“Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide inMe. I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing” (John 15:4-6).
Abiding in the LORD speaks of the dynamics of true union and communion; dwelling, enduring, continuing and pressing forward in Him. While waiting seems to imply passivity, it actually speaks of being active; working on the assignments the LORD sets before you, which are working for the good of God’s greater purposes. We do our part; God does His.
RELEVANCE
While abiding in the LORD we learn His will. We cultivate discipline; and He cultivates our character. We discover the magnitude of His greater plans and purposes. He fashions us as the potter fashions the clay. He trains us as an apprentice so we will be properly prepared for the greater mission and tasks He has planned for us.
“So the Lord must wait for you to come to him
so he can show you his love and compassion…
He will be gracious if you ask for help…
Though the Lord gave you adversity for food and suffering for drink, he will still be with you to teach you.
You will see your teacher with your own eyes.
Your own ears will hear him.
Right behind you a voice will say,
“This is the way you should go,” whether to the right or to the left.”
(Isaiah 30:18-21)
God will continuously test you to measure your progress and see how much you want to depend on Him and trust Him. He seeks to cultivate our sense of stewardship. He can only entrust us with what we are able to steward; and give Him the glory for accomplishing.
REFLECT AND RELATE
What do you perceive God is training you for? Ask Him for a vision. Ask Him how to balance your activities; your work, leisure and study. Pray for strength to abide in Him and follow Him regardless of inner unrest and external pressures.
REFERENCES
Isaiah 30:15-26; 2 Timothy 2:15; Hebrews 4:11; 2 Peter 1:10; 3:14