Abide

You have walked and walked and walked, and I have been with you every step of the way.

Even when you went your own way, I was with you. Even when you went someone else’s path, there I was too. Child, I have never left you.

You have never been alone. In your darkest moments, I was with you. Even when you didn’t see me, I was there waiting on you. Do you see me now as you look back? Do you see me there waiting? I have always been with you and I always will.

You don’t have to take another step. At this place, at this time, I have a resting place for you. Come and stay.

Let me do the walking. Let me pave the way. If you abide in me, you will find your journey effortless. You will glide past every obstacle, through every hard place, and through every hard decision. But you must abide in me.

I guarantee I can make it work out better than you ever could. Only abide in me. Abide in me, and you will be amazed at the work of my hands. I long to amaze you, to bring awe, to bring you joy and gladness, to set your feet to dancing.

In my house, there is rest, joy and gladness. It oozes off my walls and pours down the roofs. It’s so much better, so much better than this. This thing you try to build with your hands. Your building will lead to not. It will not withstand the fire. But what you allow to build with me at the helm will be eternal.

Abide. Beloved, abide in me.

So I rested, and I heard the Lord say “well done, my good and faithful servant.”

“Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you unless you abide in Me. I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing.” John 15:4-5