What Does It Actually Mean to Abide in Christ?

If remaining in Jesus isn't about effort, why does it feel so hard?

Friends,

Welcome to May! This month, we're diving deep into the theme of 'REMAIN'. We'll be exploring what it truly means to abide in Christ, to stay connected to Him, and how that transforms our everyday lives.

Now, if you know me at all, you'll know my track record with houseplants is… shall we say, less than stellar. In fact, the only plants thriving in my house are decidedly fake. Go figure. I've been told the secret to keeping them alive (real plants, not the fake ones) is simple: water, sunlight, maybe even a friendly chat! But somehow, they still manage to wilt. Perhaps you’ve experienced the same horticultural conundrum? So, you do the detective work and check the roots, and there it is—the connection to the soil is weak. The plant's not getting what it needs, no matter how much you fuss over it.

It's a bit like our faith, isn't it? We can strive, we can try to 'do' all the right things, tick all the boxes, but if we're not truly connected to the source, we'll find ourselves wilting. That's where 'abiding' comes in.

"Abide in me."

It's a phrase that echoes through the pages of John 15, a gentle yet profound invitation from Jesus himself. But what does it truly mean to abide, to remain in Christ? And if it's not about effort, as we often hear, why does it sometimes feel like climbing a mountain?

We hear the word "abide" and often picture a passive state, a sort of spiritual stasis. But Jesus's imagery of the vine and branches paints a picture of vibrant, dynamic connection. It's not about just being attached; it's about drawing life, nourishment, and fruitfulness from the source.

From Striving to Staying

So, if it's not about striving, what is it about?

It's about shifting our focus from our own efforts to His presence. It's about recognising that our spiritual vitality doesn't come from our strength, but from His.

• John 15:4: "Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me." (NIV)

  • Consider the natural world. A branch doesn't strain to produce fruit. It simply stays connected to the vine, allowing the life within to flow.

  • This is the picture Jesus paints for us. It's not about gritting our teeth and trying harder; it's about resting in His sufficiency.

Cultivating Daily Rhythms

How do we cultivate this abiding faith? It's about establishing those 'again and agains' that keep us connected to the vine. The suggestions below might work for some, but not for others. Please feel free to explore with Jesus what regular and intentional 'agains' you can implement—without turning them into rigid rules.

• Intentional Moments of Connection:

  • Start your day with a moment of quiet reflection, inviting Jesus into your day.

  • Take short "breath prayers" throughout the day, reminding yourself of His presence.

  • End your day with a time of gratitude and reflection, acknowledging His faithfulness.

• Scripture as Nourishment:

  • Read Scripture not as a duty, but as an invitation to converse with God.

  • Focus on a single verse or passage, allowing it to speak to your heart.

  • Consider using Lectio Divina. Lectio 365 is a free app that offers short, guided morning, lunchtime and evening devotions.

• Practicing Presence:

  • Learn to be present in the moment, noticing God's presence in the ordinary.

    There’s a breakdown of “how” you can do this, incorporating mindfulness, psychology, neuroscience, and spiritual disciplines, at the bottom of this email.

  • Practice stillness, setting aside distractions and focusing on God's voice.

Why This Matters

When we abide in Christ, we experience a deeper sense of peace, joy, and purpose. We're not just surviving; we're thriving. We're bearing fruit that reflects His character.

A Prayer for Abiding Faith

Lord, help me to understand what it means to abide in You. Shift my focus from striving to staying. Teach me to cultivate daily rhythms that keep me connected to the vine. Amen.

What does "abiding in Christ" mean to you? What daily repetitions help you stay connected to Him?

If this message resonated with you, please share or restack it. Let's encourage each other to abide in Christ.

On your team,

Em

How to notice God’s presence in the ordinary:

In the rush of daily life, it’s easy to miss God’s presence in the mundane. Yet, God is often closest when we least expect it, in the simple, ordinary moments of life.

Cultivating the awareness of God’s presence is not about having grand experiences but about developing a heart and mind that attune to Him in the here and now. The following practices combine mindfulness, psychology, neuroscience, and spiritual disciplines to help you notice God in the ordinary moments of life.

1. Cultivating Mindfulness

Start Small

Mindfulness is the practice of being fully present in the moment. In neuroscience, this means focusing attention and increasing brain plasticity, helping you strengthen the areas of your brain responsible for focus and emotional regulation. This approach helps rewire your brain to be more aware of what's happening around you, including the divine moments.

How to practice:

• When drinking a cup of tea, engage all your senses. Feel the warmth of the cup, notice the aroma, taste the tea, and feel the sensation of the liquid as it touches your lips. This brings you into the present moment, a moment in which God is present, even in the simplicity of a beverage.

• When walking, try to pay attention to the sensation of your feet on the ground. Hear the sounds of nature or the bustle of your surroundings. This increases your awareness of God’s creation and His constant presence in every step you take.

Breath Awareness

Breathing is a constant act we often take for granted, but it can be a gateway to spiritual awareness. Neuroscientific studies show that focusing on breath helps regulate the autonomic nervous system, promoting calm and enhancing emotional resilience.

How to practice:

• Notice the rise and fall of your chest or abdomen as you breathe. This simple focus can help bring your mind back to the present, reorienting your awareness to God’s still small voice in your everyday life.

• When your mind wanders—because it will—gently bring your focus back to your breath. This simple act of returning is a powerful reminder of the grace God offers when we return to Him.

Single-Tasking

Multitasking increases cognitive load and can lead to burnout. By focusing on one thing at a time, you allow your mind to slow down and become more aware of the presence of God in the task at hand. This makes room for divine encounters in the most ordinary of activities.

How to practice:

• Put away distractions like your phone or computer when engaging in everyday tasks. Whether it’s making breakfast, answering an email, or folding laundry, focus solely on that one thing.

• By focusing on the task at hand, you’re giving space for God to reveal Himself in the seemingly insignificant details.

2. Shifting Your Perspective

Look for the Sacred in the Mundane

God is not confined to extraordinary moments but is present in all things, especially in the ordinary. Psychology suggests that cultivating a mindset of “sacredness” in the mundane helps us connect more deeply with God, even in routine tasks.

How to practice:

• See everyday tasks as opportunities to commune with God. When washing dishes, for instance, pause to thank God for the provision of food and water. This act transforms an otherwise mundane moment into a sacred exchange.

Practice Gratitude

Gratitude is powerful for both mental and spiritual health. Neuroscience shows that regular gratitude practice strengthens the brain’s pathways for happiness, reducing stress and increasing well-being. Spiritual gratitude aligns our hearts with God’s goodness and presence.

How to practice:

• Keep a gratitude journal or take a moment each day to reflect on what you're thankful for, even the smallest things. This practice shifts your focus from what’s missing to what God is already doing in your life. Create a note in your phone to add the things you’re grateful for when you notice them in the moment. This will train your brain to see even more things to be thankful for.

• Thank God for His presence in both the grand and the small moments of your day.

Seek God’s Perspective

Sometimes, we need God to open our eyes to His presence in our lives. This mirrors the process of cognitive reframing in psychology, which involves looking at a situation from a new perspective.

How to practice:

• Ask God to reveal His presence in your life. Pray for discernment to see His hand at work, whether in the stillness of a moment or the chaos of the everyday.

• Trust that when you seek Him, He will show Himself, even in the smallest of ways.

3. Intentional Practices

Set Aside Quiet Time

Quiet time is essential for cultivating the awareness of God's presence. Research in neuropsychology shows that moments of stillness allow the brain to recharge, increasing focus, emotional resilience, and spiritual awareness. I do not say “quiet time” meaning a rigid, rule-based, time of Bible reading and prayer. I mean it in the literal sense of having some time where you’re quiet!

How to practice:

• Set aside a few minutes each morning or evening for quiet reflection. You don’t need to say anything or do anything—simply sit in silence, aware of God's presence. This sacred pause in your day makes space for you to hear from Him.

Engage in Contemplative Prayer

Practices like centering prayer or Lectio Divina encourage a deeper, more focused connection with God. These practices help calm the mind, increase focus, and create a space where you can hear God more clearly.

How to practice:

• Try using a single word or phrase, like "peace" or "God is with me," to focus your thoughts. This aligns with the brain's need for simplicity and focus, leading to a deeper connection with God’s voice.

Pay Attention to "Divine Appointments"

Sometimes, God nudges us in unexpected moments. Neuroscience supports this idea through intuition, a mental process that draws on our prior knowledge and experiences to guide us without conscious thought.

How to practice:

• Be aware of those seemingly random moments that stand out—whether it’s a meaningful conversation or a prompt to check on someone. These "divine appointments" are often where God shows His presence, and responding in these moments can open doors for deeper connection with Him and others.

Nature Walks

Spending time in nature is a powerful way to attune to God’s presence. Studies show that being outdoors enhances mental clarity, reduces stress, and fosters a sense of awe—all of which help us notice God’s handiwork in the world around us.

How to practice:

• Take a walk in the park or spend time in the countryside, paying attention to the beauty around you. See nature not just as a backdrop to your life but as an expression of God’s creative presence.

4. Overcoming Obstacles

Recognise Distractions

Distractions can pull us out of the present moment, making it difficult to notice God’s presence. Technology, worries, and negative thoughts all have the power to divide our attention, leaving us disconnected.

How to practice:

• Identify what regularly distracts you from being present. This could be technology, your to-do list, or internal anxieties. Once identified, gently bring your focus back to the moment, asking God for help in refocusing.

Practice Patience

Learning to be present takes time and practice. Our brains are wired for efficiency, often defaulting to autopilot, but rewiring them for attentiveness requires patience and persistence.

How to practice:

• Be patient with yourself as you develop these practices. Remember, growth happens slowly and steadily. Don’t be discouraged by distractions or wandering thoughts. Just bring your focus back and try again.

Be Gentle with Yourself

When your mind wanders, it’s important to be gentle with yourself. The more self-critical we are, the more likely we are to become discouraged. Neuroscientific research shows that self-compassion actually enhances our ability to refocus and persevere.

How to practice:

• When your mind strays, gently redirect it without harsh judgment. Recognise that learning to be present is a journey, and God is patient with you along the way.

By cultivating mindfulness, shifting your perspective, engaging in intentional practices, and overcoming distractions, you can begin to notice God’s presence in the ordinary. It’s in the simple moments—breathing, walking, eating, working—that God’s presence is often most tangible. And as you make space for Him, you’ll find that the ordinary becomes sacred, and the mundane becomes a canvas for divine encounters.

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At the end of the day, it’s all about choosing—not feeling obliged to tick every box or do it perfectly, but choosing to make space for God in your everyday moments. These practices aren’t a checklist, but tools to help you notice the divine in the ordinary. You don’t have to do them all, and there’s no pressure to get it “right.” Just take one thing at a time and see where it leads. With each choice to slow down, be present, and open your heart, you’ll find that God is already there—waiting to meet you in the small moments, making the ordinary extraordinary.