Remain // John 15:5

A number of years ago we got one of those not-so-nasty-grams from our HOA about how the bushes in the front of our house needed to be trimmed post haste because they were overgrown. The problem? It was the dead of summer. So we struck out and started pruning the bushes in some of the most intense heat I would ever work in … not because I wanted to, but because I had to. I kid you not, the leaves started wilting before they hit the ground. They were shriveled within minutes of bring pruned. It illustrated today’s verse to me in such a profound way.

The struggles of life can get so hot. Stress can blaze within our soul to a point where our only ability to survive and thrive is to stay connected. We find we begin to shrivel up and wilt once we are disconnected from our source of strength, stability, and sustenance. This is precisely why Jesus said we must remain in Him, because apart from Him we can do nothing.

How are you doing today? Are you feeling like the pressure of life is causing you to shrivel and wilt? Make the effort to remain in Jesus. Stay close. Connect in the ways that always work: connect with a spiritual friend, read your Scripture, say your prayers, fill the angst-ridden silence with worship music, find a way to serve. Remain in Jesus, and He promises to remain in you.