Abide in Me: Discovering Joy in Unexpected Seasons

Let me start by simply saying, Yah knows what we need. I don't care how much we think we know, Yah knows better. These past several weeks have been such a blessing in ways that I couldn't have imagined. What I thought would be a time of stress and overwhelm turned out to be just what I needed.

Back in October, my mom had surgery, and I have been one of her primary caretakers during her recovery. My mama is a great help with my family's day-to-day routine. So, to get through these weeks of recovery meant I had to rearrange some things and take on a few more responsibilities since she was out of the mix. Although necessary, it was not something I was looking forward to. But let me tell you something, this time has been nothing like I thought or imagined it would be.

Yes, life’s merry-go-round has been spinning, but something about this time felt different. I didn’t feel overwhelmed or like I would fall off at any moment. No, I had solid footing, a good grip on the railing, and held on, enjoying every minute of it, even with the government shutdown being thrown into the mix. I believe the difference was made by the scripture that kept whispering in my spirit leading up to it all.  

John 15:7 reads, "If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you."

A week or so before the surgery date, I kept hearing in my spirit, "Abide in me." Every time I thought about all the things I would have to do while my mom was recovering, I'd hear, "Abide in me." Now, I know that the scripture said way more than that, but it was obvious that I needed to focus on the first part to prepare for what lay ahead. So, I looked up the Biblical meaning of abide, and it means to remain, dwell, and continue in a permanent and intimate relationship with God and His Word. That means taking the Holy scriptures to heart, meditating on them day and night, and applying the principles that they give us.

Over the past several weeks, I found a joy I didn’t know was missing. I've intentionally spent time honoring my mother, caring for her, and sitting, talking, and laughing with her (Ephesians 6:2-3). My husband and I sought God for a strategy on how to use our resources and time, which gave us a new rhythm that has allowed us to support one another and our family’s needs (James 1:5). I found my way back into the kitchen, cooking more homemade meals and exploring new recipes with my children. I've enjoyed this time with them and the countless random but essential conversations that came up as we spent time in the kitchen together (Proverbs 22:6).

As I allowed myself to rest and abide in God throughout this time, His Word was able to abide in me, and even my smallest whispered prayers were answered. I don’t know what you’re facing in your life right now, big or small, but I want to encourage you to abide in Yahweh. I promise the rest and reward is worth it. Had I gone into this season of my life in my own strength and following my own plans, I would still be talking about the merry-go-round never stops. Abiding in God was just the change in perspective that I needed. So, now that you've read my testimony, will you change your perpective and abide in God and let His Word abide you in?

As always, thank you for stopping by. I pray this message has blessed you, and if it did, be sure to share it with someone else who needs it. Until next time, continue to walk in obedience to Yahweh and replicate His love to your neighbors.