SUNDAY CHOICE – Lovely singing from Africa – Abide with me
The dictionary definition of abide has several uses of the verb: “to remain; continue; stay”, “to have one’s abode; dwell; reside”, “to put up with; tolerate”, “to endure, sustain, or withstand without yielding or submitting”, and “to wait for; await”.
In the Bible, the word takes on a greater intimacy, and is often used to show the need to rely on the Lord in every aspect of one’s life.
So abiding is about being in a place where one remains close, where a relationship is sustained, and there can be an element of waiting as well.
The sense of dwelling and enduring is one that is seen often in the Bible as well. There is also an element of not abiding with sin or the sinful in the Bible as well.
There are many places in the Bible where one can find the word abide. Looking at how and where it is used in God’s Word can help us understand the ways in which the Lord abides with us, and how we can abide with Him.
“ I am the vine, He says,“ you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me , you can do nothing.”
This verse emphasizes the personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Here, abiding is a need for the Lord, incorporating Him into daily life, and depending on Him. Abiding with Jesus Christ is where the believer grows in righteousness, where that individual begins to do good works for the Kingdom of God, and where a deep relationship with God grows. Abiding involves maintaining that special relationship with the Saviour.—–Bethany Verrett
Pray this hymn will help us to “ Abide in Christ” in every aspect of our life.
Abide with me, fast falls the eventide
The darkness deepens Lord, with me abide
When other helpers fail and comforts flee
Help of the helpless, oh, abide with me
Swift to its close ebbs out life’s little day
Earth’s joys grow dim, its glories pass away
Change and decay in all around I see
O Thou who changest not, abide with me
I fear no foe, with Thee at hand to bless
Ills have no weight, and tears no bitterness
Where is death’s sting?
Where, grave, thy victory?
I triumph still, if Thou abide with me
Hold Thou Thy cross before my closing eyes
Shine through the gloom and point me to the skies
Heaven’s morning breaks, and earth’s vain shadows flee
In life, in death, o Lord, abide with me
Abide with me, abide with me.
