Abide in Him

We all find ourselves in an interesting season right now. After a period of prolonged prosperity in the western world, the tide has turned. We are currently in the midst of a global economic downturn. Many people are becoming fearful and unsure of what the future may bring. They are losing their peace. However, we can still know the peace and joy of the Lord in these uncertain times. The apostle Paul encouraged us, 'Do not cast away your confidence that has great reward'. Heb 10:35. And the prophet Isaiah wrote, 'You shall go out with joy and you shall be led forth with peace'. Isa 55:11. The kingdom of God does not simply consist of eating and drinking, 'but is righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit'. Rom 14:17. Righteousness is a gift and provides us with a place to walk, a work to do, and justification before God.

Righteousness, peace and joy are the three components of God's love. Paul said that those who serve Christ in this way bring an acceptable offering to God. Rom 14:18. Of course, we can't find or receive the love of God in the world. Paul explains that His love is poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit. Rom 5:5. We should also recognise that the peace and joy we long for are His peace and His joy. We cannot produce them ourselves. On earth, Jesus was 'anointed with the oil of gladness and joy above His fellows'. Heb 1:9. We are being anointed with this same oil. Jesus told His disciples, 'My peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you. Not as the world gives, do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful'. John 14:27.

In the midst of these difficult times, it is important that we judge our circumstances righteously and not as the world judges. We are not to put our confidence in our flesh; in our own abilities, wisdom or understanding. In our present trial, the Lord may have appointed a season of pruning and contraction. When He prunes us back after a period of growth, He is essentially promoting our next season of fruitfulness. Jesus said, 'Abide in Me and I in You ... I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing'. John 15:4-5.

So, why are we striving, struggling and trying so hard to find peace and joy? We simply need to abide in Him. Jesus said, 'If you abide in Me and My words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit, and so prove to be My disciples'. John 15:7-8. He went on to promise that His joy would also be in them. As we abide in Him, we can have joy and peace in uncertain times.

David Falk

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Feature Articles
May 2009

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