Abide

“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.”

-John 15:4-5

This year has caused me to push closer into God than ever before. Each day we seem to be bombarded by more bad news, tragedy, and devastation. For me, this has been the roughest month thus far. This past week, we buried a close family friend, and my mind still has not fully wrapped around that fact. God never gives us more than we can bear, but last week felt like a breaking point.

As I began speaking to God, I prayed for the strength to be there for my friend and her family. I wanted to press pause and collect my thoughts. I needed to process everything and continue to be present at work and with my other responsibilities. But as Dr. Meredith Grey (Grey's Anatomy) would say, “the carousel never stops turning.”

Just as I was starting to settle back into my routine, the Jacob Blake shooting happened, shortly followed by the tragic death of Chadwick Boseman. I was emotionally tired. My heart was legit heavy. I felt like I could feel the weight of it in my chest.

I wondered how did we get here? What is happening? How are we going to get through the rest of this year?

One morning, during my devotion I asked God exactly that. I was transparent in letting Him know that I, as well as many of us, are emotionally exhausted. This has all been too much. Not to even mention the chaos happening in the White House and with the upcoming election. I laid everything out there regarding how I felt.

After our talk, I felt like He placed the word “abide” on my spirit. Shortly thereafter, I began to receive confirmation of this fact by seeing the word abide everywhere. A pastor that I listen to quite frequently on YouTube, even uploaded a message entitled “Abide.” It became clear that God was answering my question, and telling me that we are going to make it through, as long as we abide in Him. We cannot look to ourselves and others around us to provide the peace and comfort we need. That kind of divine peace comes from God alone.

Merriam Webster Dictionary defines “abide,” “as to remain stable or fixed in a state; to continue in a place; to sojourn.” There is something beautiful in abiding in the Lord. It allows you to breathe deeper, think clearer, and rest in the assurance that He has you. Just keep doing what you are supposed to do . . . keep growing and keep believing.

While this year continues to push us to the emotional limit, I am choosing to abide in God. I believe there are good things happening in the midst of the chaos, and despite all the evidence to the contrary, God is working.

While we move through this year it is so important to acknowledge the good. There are some beautiful things happening this year as well. One of my best friends is having her first baby, and we couldn’t be more excited! God is still blessing us, bringing forth new life, and fulfilling promises. When we abide in Him, we are able to be aware of the ways in which He is moving and working things out.

For me, abiding during this season means remaining close to Him. I plan to pray and fast more, and incorporate it into my lifestyle. I plan to wake up earlier in the mornings and complete my devotion earlier, so that I can be more productive throughout the days.

Although the world is quite different during this season, I am determined to still bear much fruit in this season. I want to emerge from the pandemic fruitful, and not dry and withered.

I know it’s hard, but let’s choose to abide in the Lord during this season. We may not understand the reasoning behind everything that has happened, and we may be emotionally drained, but let’s choose to abide in Him. He will in turn abide in us and fill us back up.

I love you all, and I am praying for all of us and this world. We will get through this season, and emerge fruitful.

Until next time!

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