“One thing have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after:
That I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life.”
Why?
“To behold the beauty of the LORD, and
To enquire in his temple.”
My desire should have one focus – to know God, to seek after Him and to dwell in His house (in His presence). How long? All the days of my life. This is abiding in the Lord. Jesus explains more about it in John 15:4. “Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.”
I must set my focus to abide in Christ. Then I will be able to pray, have my prayers answered, and see the beauty of the Lord. John 15:7 says, “If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.” Prayer and answered prayer result from setting my focus on abiding in Christ.
The beauty and the glory, the Father’s glory – “Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.” (John 15:8)
“As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love.” (John 15:9) Jesus’ love is mine, and I experience this love in its fullness as I abide in Him.
How do I Abide in Jesus’ Love?
“My words abide in you,” says John 15:7. Jesus’ words must abide in my heart,
And I must obey this word. “If ye keep my commandments…” (See verse 10) If I obey, then what? “Ye shall abide in my love.” Then I will abide in Jesus’ love. Jesus set an example of obedience for me, “even as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love.”
The result of abiding in Christ, dwelling in God’s house (presence) is JOY. “These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.” (John 15:11)
Turn Again to the Lord