Abide

Dictionary.com defines the word Abide as this:

• to remain; continue; stay  
• to continue in a particular condition, attitude, relationship. 

As a verb Abide is defined as:

• to have one's abode, to dwell, reside 
• to remain to continue to stay 
• to wait for, await
• to accept with opposition or question

 In a couple different ways this word resonates really deeply with me. It most clearly applies in the fact that I am reminded daily how I am not so good at abiding...but let's be honest here, the word packs a lot of punch.  
 I love the way the Lord talks about this word in scripture, specifically in John 15:1-17 and 1 John 4:7-21. The Lord talks about really remaining in Him and all that He is, specifically, his love. My head can wrap around that fact, that the Lord loves me, it's pretty simple, but I know my heart has a harder time grasping that concept. In abiding in the Lord, His promises, His truth, His word, I also have to accept without opposition or question all that He is and therefore all that he says I am. To fully and completely believe and reside in His truth. Again, it sounds so simple. And it really is, and in moments and seasons it has been really easy for me to take him at his word, believe him fully, live there, and to remain. And there have also been lots of seasons where I have needed a lot of grace to abide in the Lord and His truth. This word pairs so perfectly with one of my favorite hymns, by Louisa M. R. Stead,
Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus.
I hope these lyrics resonate in a new way with you today as you read them:

1. ’Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus,
   Just to take Him at His Word;
   Just to rest upon His promise,
   And to know, “Thus saith the Lord!”
   • Refrain:
     Jesus, Jesus, how I trust Him!
     How I’ve proved Him o’er and o’er;
     Jesus, Jesus, precious Jesus!
     Oh, for grace to trust Him more!
2. Oh, how sweet to trust in Jesus,
   Just to trust His cleansing blood;
   And in simple faith to plunge me
   ’Neath the healing, cleansing flood!
3. Yes, ’tis sweet to trust in Jesus,
   Just from sin and self to cease;
   Just from Jesus simply taking
   Life and rest, and joy and peace.
4. I’m so glad I learned to trust Thee,
   Precious Jesus, Savior, Friend;
   And I know that Thou art with me,
   Wilt be with me to the end.
   
   

Abide is really a word that I desire as a banner over my life, heart, and mind. To remain fully in, to accept without opposition or question, and to dwell there in who the Lord is and all He says I am.