Remaining Requires
As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. John 15:9
You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you. John 15:16
Insight
Seeing things from our limited perspective can get us into trouble. We react to our circumstances based off what we see and how we interpret the things going on around us. Feeling rushed forces faith to give way to certainty and hope to lose out over control. The perceived pressure leads us to feel overwhelmed, so we continue to force our way in a never-ending loop that leaves us exhausted.
What we see determines the direction that we go. Because this is the case, we need to learn to have a healthy distrust of our perspective until we learn to see through His perspective. Jesus invites us to follow and keep pace with Him.
He encourages us to remain in His love, which is a hard task for us to do. We either fall behind and give up when our circumstances don't change, or we rush ahead and leave Christ in the dust while trying to tackle our issues alone.
We don't need to rush, but instead remain.
Remaining requires withdrawing. It entails slowing down, being still and seeing things from His perspective. We withdraw in order to see. Withdrawing is essential for the health and well-being of our soul.
Yet, stillness appears counterproductive when there are things that need to get done. The idea of remaining in His love seems stationary, but it's not. It's active and intentional. It requires courage and faith and leads us to walk in obedience. The speed of trust gets discovered through a step of faith, which involves movement and momentum. Faith saves while hope sustains us on our journey.
A hopeful view of the future makes us want to move into it.
Reflection
Where do you find yourself struggling to remain in His love? What makes you want to fall behind (and give up) or run ahead of Him (fight for control)?
Prayer
God, let me slow down today. Help me to rest and remain. Open my eyes to Your will and Your ways. May I be courageous and bold by walking in faith. Remind me that Your love fuels my love for others. In Your name, Jesus. Amen.