Abide Persistently

1. Abide Persistently

This morning, I’m a bit numb. I had a great sleep; I was so exhausted yesterday, I was in bed before 10, which rarely happens. After stressing, after praying, after trying to turn my brain off with mindless pursuits, I am numb. And in praying, even in a numb state, I have come to a realization. Jesus says “keep asking, seeking, and knocking” (Matthew 7:7). He doesn’t say what state of mind we must be in to do so. In fact, he compares us to a persistent neighbor at midnight who needs food for a guest, or a persistent widow before an unjust judge. Until the answer is “no,” it doesn’t matter what my frame of mind is or how I feel, even if it’s broken and beat down, I am to persistently take things before God until I get an answer.

Is prayer all about making wishes and then getting answers? Absolutely not. Yet, what I have discovered is, especially in my distress, that asking in persistence is all about learning to rely completely and wholly upon God for every and all things. Jesus is trying to teach us that we are to rely completely and utterly on God, to seek God first and foremost. Jesus calls it “Abiding.” I feel helpless right now. But that is where I want to be. It doesn’t feel good, but I am learning to persist, and in persisting to subsist on God and His goodness, so that no matter what happens to me, my focus is correct. So, I will keep asking, seeking, and knocking, not just when I am stressed and stretched thin, but when things go well, so that even in a season of plenty, I am relying, not on wealth, power and riches, but on the rich power of the Father.

John 15:1-11

“I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. 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. If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples. As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.

Philippians 4

Therefore, my brothers, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm thus in the Lord, my beloved.

I entreat Euodia and I entreat Syntyche to agree in the Lord. Yes, I ask you also, true companion, help these women, who have labored side by side with me in the gospel together with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life.

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.

I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity. Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

Yet it was kind of you to share my trouble. And you Philippians yourselves know that in the beginning of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, no church entered into partnership with me in giving and receiving, except you only. Even in Thessalonica you sent me help for my needs once and again. Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that increases to your credit. I have received full payment, and more. I am well supplied, having received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent, a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God. And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.

Greet every saint in Christ Jesus. The brothers who are with me greet you. All the saints greet you, especially those of Caesar’s household.

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.