Abiding Glory

Abiding glory. What thoughts immediately come to your mind when you hear those two words put together?

In the New Testament account found in the book of John in chapter 15, we observe Jesus explaining the concept of abiding. We read the following passage of scripture in John 15:4-5: “Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me. I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.” In this passage, Jesus is using the comparison of a vine and branches

to explain the kind of connectedness we should maintain with Him.

Over in the Old Testament, we also see this same concept of abiding revealed in Psalm 91. It states in verse one, “He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.” As we pay careful attention to the words secret place, we understand this represents the presence of God. To emphasize the point, the passage might also read like this: “Whoever abides in the presence of God will live in the presence of God.”

When we look at the word abide as used in John, it comes from the Greek word, meno. When we study the word abide as used in Psalm, it comes from the Hebrew word luwn. Both words share the same characteristics: to dwell, remain, and tarry. Abiding glory, simply put, means to stay in the presence of God.

Abiding in the glory of God must be embedded within our daily routines and rhythms of life. Our lifestyle should reflect our commitment to abiding in God’s presence. The last part of John 15:5 is crucial and reveals great insight: “…for without Me you can do nothing.” Since we know Jesus’ words here to be true, then the opposite of this must also apply. IF we abide in Him, THEN we can do EVERYTHING He calls us to accomplish.

There are numerous blessings we reap from abiding in the glory of God. Some include, supernatural power, peace, protection, and provision. When we choose to abide in the presence of God, it causes us to have a holy boldness and reassuring confidence we could not walk in otherwise. Not to mention the unexplainable, indescribable joy that can only be found from being with Him.

This month, I want to encourage you to remember your secret place. Remember the place where you live in the glory of God. May this be the place (physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually) you choose to stay, no matter what else may be going on. Dwell, remain, and tarry in God’s presence so that you may stay connected to Him. This is the glorious life we endeavor to live…abiding glory.