Remain in God When You Want to Handle It Yourself
- meetgodattheedgeof
- 4 days ago
- 2 min read
John 15:4-5
[4] Remain in me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me. [5] “Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing.
It's starting to be kind of funny, the more I grow in the Lord, how we men naturally want to figure things out on our own. I've said in the past, it's like we say, "Lord, this is serious, I'll handle it."
How do we remain in God? I believe that remaining in God is the only way we can successfully navigate this life. It starts with bringing God into every situation that comes up by talking to Him through each one. Treat it like an ongoing conversation that keeps you thinking about Him and asking what He would have you do.
This includes reading His Word and pondering it as you move through whatever the day holds for you. Filling your mind with God's truths leaves no room for worry. As you begin to see how God has His hand in everything and how His Word applies to your life, you will also begin to see the blessings and provision you've had all along.
The conversations you have with people naturally start to turn toward what He has done for you and the hope you have because of Him. The blessings you receive from seeing a brother suddenly understand or seeing someone who is lost suddenly become interested are awesome.
Of course, to witness these things, we need to be fully present and prepared! Put down your phone, turn off the TV, make time to be with God, and confess whatever is heavy on your heart so there is nothing holding you back from that close relationship. This keeps our hearts right and available to share the love God has shown us and wants us to show others.
To remain in God is the only way our lives will produce anything meaningful! Without the living water of a good relationship with Him, prayer time, and time to read and ponder His Word, we will not produce fruit. It's impossible. Working in our own strength and power will only produce fatigue.
Your relationship with your Heavenly Father is daily and ongoing work, not a one-time event. Choosing to obey becomes a natural reaction and a show of our understanding and faith. Remain in God and see the blessings of a fruitful life.
Thank you, Father, for one more day. Amen
Psalms 16:8-11
[8] I keep my eyes always on the Lord. With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken. [9] Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest secure, [10] because you will not abandon me to the realm of the dead, nor will you let your faithful one see decay. [11] You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.
