5 “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. (John 15:5 NIV)
What does it mean to remain? To abide, to wait for, await one.
John 15:5 has been a special verse to me for years, and it is extra special, because Willow and Saylor Lambert painted me a picture of this verse and put it in a rustic wooden frame for my office. It is next to my light switch so I see it every day. Over the past few weeks, we have all experienced new and different routines, habits, and adjustments to schedules.
How is your “abiding” going? I pray that one thing that hasn’t changed, but only developed deeper, is your connection with Jesus. He is certainly worth waiting for. Several have called me and shared their fears, disappointments, worry and at times, anxiety. John 15:5 is a practical verse that offers a valuable and timeless solution to whatever we are facing when times seem dark and dim. How? In order for abiding to take root, we must ensure the vine has been planted in good soil (our heart). In due season, your life will flourish and grow, bearing fruit, attitudes that reflect Christ, and strong branches (mindsets) that demonstrate who you belong to and are rooted in.
I certainly didn’t hang this picture next to the light switch, because it was the only space in my office. The picture was hung there, because it consistently reminds me that He is the light. Similarly to plants needing light to grow, our lives need the Light of this world to radiate His blessings and to remind us that we’ve got to put in the time and effort to ensure that we are allowing Him to be rooted deep. Try to enjoy these “different” times as we all have the opportunity to spend quality and quantity time with Him. We certainly need each other so reach out, make some facetime calls to others who could certainly use some encouragement.
Stay Healthy. Stay Safe. Take Root in Him.