Learning to Abide

All too often as Christians, we substitute perspiration for inspiration. We’re so busy doing Christian things that we forget about Christ.

Did you know that’s possible? We can be going to our Bible studies and teaching over here and helping over there. And then suddenly one day we say, “I’m overwhelmed. I’m feeling burned out.”

Psalm 91 says, “He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty” (verse 1 NKJV). The Hebrew word used here for dwells speaks of quiet, resting, and remaining with consistency.

It parallels the New Testament word that Jesus used in John 15, where He said, “He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing” (verse 5 NKJV). The word abide means “to stay in a given place.”

So essentially God is saying, “I don’t merely want a relationship with you, I want fellowship with you. I want you to come close to Me. I want you to be near Me. I want you to remain consistently in My presence.”

Yet many of us can be like Martha, who frantically worked to prepare something for the Lord while Mary sat at His feet, drinking in His every word. Martha became frustrated and demanded that the Lord tell Mary to help her.

But Jesus corrected her and said, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her” (Luke 10:41–42 NKJV).

Mary knew what was important. She knew there was a time for work and there was a time for worship.

Yes, there is a time for work and serving. At the same time, the best work always will overflow from a life of worship. However, it can never take the place of it.

Are you dwelling in the secret place of the Most High?