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We live in an age of disagreement with the resulting fruit of stress.
Jesus gives a simple solution to fear and anxiety when He says,
Everything I’ve taught you is so that the peace which is in me will be in you and will give you great confidence as you rest in me. For in this unbelieving world you will experience trouble and sorrows, but you must be courageous, for I have conquered the world! — John 16:33 (TPT)
Living ‘in Jesus’ is the decision that you must make to overcome stress. Jesus also says,
But if you live in life-union with me and if my words live powerfully within you—then you can ask whatever you desire and it will be done. — John 15:7 (TPT)
Living in Jesus … or abiding in Christ brings peace. Going ‘Greek’ on you for a moment: Reading John 15:1-11, you will note the word ‘abide’ used about 10 times. In the Greek the verb tense used for ‘abide’ is what I call ‘present/your decision!’
Sorry … I could use the technical term ‘present subjunctive mood’ … but who understands this? It basically means ‘this will happen if you do this now and continue to do this now.’
Abiding means that you have a choice and that you must do it now and continue to do this now. Yesterday’s abiding doesn’t work today and it is impossible to abide today for tomorrow.
If abiding is the key to being with Jesus who gives peace, how do we abide? Okay, now I get theological. Prepare yourself for the next mind-blowing paragraph. (‘mind-blowing’ is hippie talk for Wow!)
God is present. He has no past, present, or future. Jesus is God! Abiding in Jesus means abiding in the present. Paul writes, “The old has passed.” (2 Cor. 5:17) Jesus says, “Don’t worry about tomorrow.” (Matthew 6:34)
If you live in the past, it is because of other-condemnation or self-condemnation, both of which yield anger and bitterness. If you worry about tomorrow, there is no greater stress, especially in the times upon us now.
Live in the present! Decide to abide in Christ. The past has no consequence because of the blood of Jesus and your future is secured!
Enjoy today. The following is a very easy, simple, not complicated, read the directions, ‘Hallelujah’ and ‘Amen’ method of living in the present and presence of Jesus.
Enjoy today. Pray in the morning, “Jesus let me live for today. Allow me to leave the past behind and help me to not worry about the future. Today when either the past or the future invades my peace … convict/help me with your Spirit … allow me to cast this stress upon you and get back to enjoying today.”
When you pray ask Jesus to give you peace in the moment. Keep coming back to this peace throughout the day.
Remember … present, subjunctive, and a great mood for each day.