Why Abiding with God Shatters Our Timelines
There is so much we can never understand about God. And, like a child with her father, we get to be under His wings of protection, asking him question after question. And even then, when our questions run out, will our hearts and minds be satisfied with the answers we receive?
More than answers, isn’t what we need most an ever-deeper faith in God’s character and love? Will this deepening faith He gives us make what we don’t understand matter increasingly less–and what we believe about God’s ultimate love for us matter increasingly more?
What do you wonder about God? What do you not understand about Him and wish you did? Is there anything? Or are you content with all the things you don’t–and can’t–know? Are you settled in the reality that you are the created, not the creator? Are you satisfied with being the focus of God’s love? Or is there something you hope for and want more of? Let’s see….
So, to begin this encounter with God, or Holy Spirit, or Jesus, retreat to a quiet place where you can be alone. Retreat to a place of peace where you can focus entirely on God. (And don’t worry about the space being “perfect.” I have found havens of solitude and connection with God in unexpected places: the wooden floor of a common room in the middle of the afternoon, the back booth of a coffee shop, the grass under the branches of a tree, the narrow seat of an airplane with strangers on both sides.
While solitude is extremely helpful when we want to listen to God’s voice, we can hear Him anywhere, in all moments and circumstances. So, do your best to find physical quiet, but the quiet within you, no matter the noise around you, matters more than anything else.
Next, take deep breaths with your eyes closed and your hands, arms, and shoulders relaxed. Breathe deeply for a count of four. Hold your breath for a count of four. Then, exhale for a count of four. If you’d like, pray “Jesus, come in” as you inhale and “I feel You here” as you exhale. Do this deep breathing and pray for a few minutes.
Then, when you are ready, surrender to God every worry and concern you feel. Give Him everything–every person, every situation–one by one. Be specific, Name the concern and breathe deeply and intentionally as you see Him taking each one from you.
Jesus, I give you…
Next, contemplate the five verses below for at least ten to fifteen minutes. Read them each once, and then ask God to guide you towards which verse or set of verses He’d like you to focus on.
“Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me” (John 15:4, ESV).
“So you must remain in life-union with me, for I remain in life-union with you. For as a branch severed from the vine will not bear fruit, so your life will be fruitless unless you live your life intimately joined to mine” (John 15:4, TPT).
“And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together” (Colossians 1:17).
“I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end” (Revelation 22:13).
“The Lord possessed me at the beginning of his work, the first of his acts of old. Ages ago I was set up, at the first, before the beginning of the earth” (Proverbs 8:22-23).
“For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen” (Romans 11:36).
What questions do you have for God about these verses? What word(s) stands out to you? What is God saying to your heart? Write it down in your journal.
Some questions to consider:
Focus on the word “‘abide.” What does that word mean? What does it mean for you to “abide in” Christ–or to “remain in life-union” with Christ? Ask Jesus what it means–maybe ask Him to show you a picture in your imagination of what abiding in Him–or being in life-union with Him–looks like in your life. Perhaps draw this image in your journal.
What questions do you have about God and His relationship with time–with life and with death, with His plans for you and His love for you?
How does God telling you that He is “the first and the last, the beginning and the end” affect your emotions? What change is He initiating in you regarding your faith in Him?
What might God be asking you to surrender?
What fears and misconceptions about Him is He bringing to light through your encounter with Him now?
In conversation with Him, I heard Him speak this to us:
Your life is not a timeline. There is no end in “the end.” I am the Beginning. I am the End. I frame you, I fill you. I substantiate you. I flow through you. Do not trust just in what you can see. Trust even more in what you cannot see. What you cannot see is timeless, lovely, perfect, and good. This is where you come from, where you can live now, and where you will return.
Come back to Me. Stay with Me. Sing in Me. Breathe in Me. Receive my love. Always. Neverending. Always love–I am always here, the Beginning and the End and what will come. All around. Beloved. Be loved. Be loved. Be loved. Beloved.
You are at the center of my heart, and my heart, my love, exists everywhere. Be everywhere with Me. Right now. Always.
What is your response to these words to you? Continue to relax in His presence. Let your body respond to worshipping Him now.
Thank You, Lord.
Amen.
