The fifteenth chapter of John’s gospel has much to say about abiding. The Greek word for “abide” is meno and means to remain, not to depart, continue, stay, live. To me it means being in close fellowship with the Lord throughout the day, not being in one day and out the next. “So you must remain in life-union with me, for I remain in life-union with you” (John 15:4; TPT). We are further told that if we abide in the Lord, we will bear fruit (John 15:4,5), our prayers will be answered (John 15:7), we will not sin (1 John 3:6) and we will enjoy God’s protection, “He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty” (Ps 91:1; NKJV).

David, at the end of the 23rd psalm declares that “the house of the Lord (and His presence) shall be my dwelling place” (Ps 23:6; AMPC). Paul, praying for the Ephesians says, “May Christ through your faith (actually) dwell (settle down, abide, make His permanent home) in your hearts!” (Eph 3:17; AMPC.)

Obviously, it is important that we abide in Christ and He in us, there are many scriptures to back this up, but how do we do it? We can’t spend all day long on our knees. However, as we go through our day we can keep bringing our mind back to God; praising Him, thanking Him and sending short prayers as often as we remember. “For all who obey His commands find their lives joined in union with him, and He lives and flourishes in them” (1 John 3:24; TPT).