Recently, flying over the majestic Rockies on my way to a retreat in Colorado, I silently prayed, Lord, I’m coming to You with expectancy — to hear from You.
The previous several months had been extremely taxing. I felt the weight of my responsibilities: leading an organization through growing pains, plus the load of raising four teens. I was also facing a significant transition in life. Unknowns loomed. I wasn’t sure how to navigate the challenges — leaning into what was ahead while simultaneously fulfilling existing demands.
More than a reset, I needed a deep touch from the Lord.
Stepping into the crisp mountain air, I sensed what felt like the Lord’s reply: Beloved, be loved.
Three simple words. An invitation.
I’m unsure how to receive, Lord. I’m so used to “doing.” Teach me, please.
I realized I was trying to fix things myself — a coping mechanism from a childhood marked by brokenness and instability. Shedding layers of self-reliance has been a gradual process.
As the Lord beckoned, I pictured myself sitting in His lap like a comforted child, feeling extremely vulnerable yet safe. Tension began to melt away. Pondering how to receive, I remembered John 15:9b:
“Abide in my love.”
When Jesus gave this instruction, His disciples were facing many questions and unknowns. Jesus was going to the cross soon, and one of the disciples would betray Him. They didn’t understand what lay ahead.
Before He told them to abide, He said, “I will not leave you as orphans” (John 14:18, ESV). This was a promise that scarcity would not be their way of life. Unguarded, unprotected, abandoned … Jesus didn’t leave us like that.
Often when we face unknowns, we ask, What will I do? Instead, maybe our question should be, How will I walk through this?
No matter what we face, the answer is to abide — remain — in God’s love.
Living loved looks and feels very different from figuring out how to fix problems independently and tackle what’s next.
Rather than asking, What will I do about this challenge? or Why is this happening? we have an invitation to move forward by abiding in God’s deep well of love that never runs out — love that we can’t be separated from (Romans 8:38-39).
While life may never stop hurling uncertainties our way, we aren’t spiritual orphans. Quite the opposite — we’ve been given a home. “Abide” means to dwell, remain, reside, live. Jesus essentially said, Make your home in My love, not in self-sufficiency. Stay in My deep wellspring of love that never leaves you alone.
We don’t have to run ahead and figure it out on our own. Living loved begins with choosing to abide in Jesus.
Heavenly Father, thank You that You are a good Father who gives good gifts. I receive Your invitation to bask and live every day in Your love. Help me not to rush headlong into fixing things on my own but to find rest in Your love. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
