Abide

John 15:9-11

As the Father has loved me, so I have 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. I have said these things to you so that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be complete. "

From the moment of birth...the first breath of air...the first cry of voice...all humans hunger for the love that will satisfy all longing and desire. To be a living human is to be a creature existing in a condition that is imperfect in many ways and often dangerous. As long as we are alive we are exposed to the possibility of pain, brokenness and disappointment.

That is simply the way things are.

But that is not the way that God intends things to be...so every moment that we breathe, God breathes with us, inviting us to notice the abiding love offered in Christ. As you pray, notice the places in your feelings or thoughts where a glimmer of peace, or hope, or comfort appear. If you are facing some wrenching pain or fear, you may experience a companioning presence whispering to you: "I am with you".

The connection is tender...it is a love that touches the soul ever so lightly. Then, as you lean into the whisper of that touch, setting aside your need to know more or judge things, the love and joy saturate the moment.

His Joy is within you...and your joy is complete. Abide in and with it.

ps: Last year I wrote about "Joy at the Center" on May 17....if you have time,you may wish to continue your reading in the Blog Archive to the right. Scroll down, and click on 5/13-5/20.