Abide in Christ

At the end of 2024, I started praying about my word of the year for 2025. Since Fear was my word for 2024, I really thought my word might be Strength. It just made sense—after all, I had faced so many fears last year. Wouldn’t Strength be the next step?

But God had something different in mind.

Instead of focusing on strength, He kept leading me to Abide in Christ—to rest, to remain, to stay rooted in Him.

Cup of tea, muffins, Bible, and flowers arranged for quiet time with God, symbolizing rest and abiding in Christ. — Abiding starts in the quiet moments… a cup of tea, an open Bible, and time with Jesus.

Why My Word for 2025 is Abide

I’ve learned that my expectations for my word of the year are rarely how God sees it.

And this year was no different.

At first, I thought abiding meant simply obeying, but I quickly learned it was much deeper.

He kept whispering, “Abide in me.”

I’d hear it in the middle of conversations.

On a walk.

While baking cookies.

“Abide in Me.”

At first, I was sure I had heard Him wrong.

“God, are You sure? I do obey.”

But abiding isn’t just about obedience.

While obedience comes from abiding, they are two very different things.

What Does It Mean to Abide in Christ?

The word abide means to remain, to dwell, to stay connected. It’s about resting in God, trusting His presence, and staying rooted in Him no matter what’s happening around you.

One of the most powerful scriptures about abiding is John 15:4-5 (ESV):

“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. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.”

Abiding isn’t striving. It isn’t trying harder. It’s staying connected to Jesus and allowing Him to do the work in and through us.

Resting in God’s Peace by Abiding in Christ

Abide = Resting in God = Peace.

So often, we think we have to strive, do more, or figure things out on our own. But abiding is simply resting in Him—trusting that He is already at work.

“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”
— Matthew 11:28-29 (ESV)

When we abide in Christ, we don’t have to force peace—it naturally flows. Just like a branch doesn’t struggle to produce fruit, it simply stays connected to the vine. The fruit grows because of the connection (John 15:5).

Abiding in the Hard Moments

Whenever I feel overwhelmed or restless from the burdens and stress of life—whether it’s unexpected challenges, difficult seasons, or just the daily weight of responsibilities—I pause and remind myself:

“I don’t have to strive—I just need to abide.”

If you’re feeling weary today, take a deep breath with me and pray…

A Prayer for Abiding

“Lord, I rest in You. I trust You. You are enough. Amen

How Can I Abide in Christ Daily?

Abiding in Christ daily begins with staying connected to Him—through prayer, reading the Word, worship, and quiet moments of reflection. It’s not about striving, but about resting in His presence and trusting Him in all circumstances. Just like a branch draws strength and life from the vine, we draw peace, purpose, and spiritual fruit from staying close to Jesus each day.