Can we be real here? I certainly hope so.

I’ve been under a lot of pressure lately. A lot of stress.

As in feeling like an elephant is about to crush me under foot.

The feeling is awful.

Dreadful.

Exhausting.

If you deal with anxiety and depression,I think you can relate to these feelings.

But, here’s the thing: feelings lie. Emotions cloud the truth. When we follow the fear, believe the worrisome, take the bait of anxiety, our feelings have handed the enemy a win.

Instead of letting our negative thoughts and feelings rule over our lives, we need to remember to abide in Jesus.

I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. ² 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. ³ Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. ⁴ 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. ⁵ 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. ⁶ 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. ⁷ If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.⁸ By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples. ⁹ As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. ¹⁰ 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. ¹¹ These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full. – John 15:1-11 (ESV)

To abide in Jesus is to live connected to Him.

Constantly.

It is following the Lord’s teachings.

Constantly.

Most of all, to abide in Jesus is to surrender everything – yes, everything – to God and trust in Him fully and completely, 100%.

Abiding in Jesus is how we, as the branches, are nourished by the vine (Jesus), whose source is The Father (the Vinedresser). It is through our connection to the LORD that we are fed, supplied, cared for. Through the vine we produce fruit. Apart from the vine – when we are disconnected from Jesus – we can do nothing.

So, how do we maintain our connection to God? Here are a few things that will help:

But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you (Matthew 6:33, ESV). Lay aside all worry and anxiety and trust God in all things.

⁶ Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you,⁷ casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you (1 Peter 5:6-7, ESV). We were never meant to carry our burdens alone. It takes humility to die to self, and trust to cast your cares on God.

¹⁶ Rejoice always, ¹⁷ pray without ceasing,¹⁸ give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, ESV). We can be full of joy despite our circumstances because God is sovereign, God is love, and we can stay connected with Him through prayer. Constant God consciousness. When we realize Who God is, who we are as He defines us (and, yes, we are defined by the LORD, not our sins, our pasts, our jobs, our successes, our failures, our bank balances, our prestige, our failures…), gratitude io God is our appropriate and heart felt reaction.

⁵ Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
    and do not lean on your own understanding.
⁶ In all your ways acknowledge him,
    and he will make straight your paths.
⁷ Be not wise in your own eyes;
    fear the Lord, and turn away from evil.
⁸ It will be healing to your flesh
    and refreshment to your bones. – Proverbs 3:5-8 (ESV)

Truly realize God is in control, and daily – yes, first thing every morning – give your day to the LORD. Let go of the control side of your thoughts and trust God to handle everything.

I’ve heard it said that we don’t want God to be our co-pilot. We want Him in full control of the aircraft! To abide in the LORD is to trust Him fully, staying connected through constant prayer and seeking Him and His ways first and foremost. Rest in Jesus. Abide in Him and find His great peace that passes understanding.

⁴ Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice.⁵ Let your reasonableness^[d] be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; ⁶ do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.⁷ And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

⁸ 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. ⁹ What you have learned^[e] and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you. – Philippians 4:4-9 (ESV)