Abide. Somehow, I don’t ever remember hearing that word except in a spiritual context. So, if we don’t use it much in normal conversation, what does it mean?
According to the dictionary, it means to dwell or remain. That means I abide in, dwell in, remain in Florida. That means my life is focused in Ft. Myers. I go other places for various reasons, but I always go back home, and there’s no place like home.
Keep that in mind as you read Psalm 15 which tells us who may abide with the Lord.
“Lord, who may abide in, dwell in, be at home in your sacred tent? Who may live on your holy mountain? The one whose (1) walk is blameless, who (2) does what is righteous, who (3) speaks the truth from his heart; whose (4) tongue utters no slander, who (5) does no wrong to a neighbor, and (6) who despises a vile person but honors those who fear the Lord; who (7) keeps an oath even when it hurts and does not change his mind; who (8) lends money to the poor without interest; who (9) does not accept a bribe against the innocent.”
That’s quite a list. And here’s the conclusion, “Whoever does these things will never be shaken.”
You may of necessity function in the marketplaces of life—work, school, entertainment, socializing—but remember where you abide, where it’s good to be back home.
Do you want to have an impact for God, in many cases not even saying a word, but living a Godly lifestyle? “Abide in, remain in me, and I remain in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in, remain in the vine; no more can you, except you abide in, remain in me.” (John 15:4)
JUST ABIDE
Is your day’s load heavy? Just abide.
And the day’s road stony? Just abide.
If your heart is growing weary,
And your sky is gray and dreary,
Just abide and keep on abiding.
—John R. Clements
Psalm 91:1: “Whoever abides in, dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.”
Written By Neil Fichthorn: Rev. Neil Fichthorn is a seasoned conference and camping servant having served at Gull Lake Bible Conference, Sandy Cove Ministries as President, and an interim Executive Director at Pinebrook Bible Conference. He also served in church music for decades as a choir director and arranger. He has been Bill Welte’s mentor and friend for over 45 years.
