Abide

I can vividly remember singing this song as a little girl at the close of our Lenten services.  The church would grow dim but there would be a light that would illuminate the cross at the front of the church.  I didn't understand all of the words and what they meant but I knew it was important.  I did understand what the word Abide meant.  It meant that Jesus would remain with me all through my life.  I didn't need to be afraid because He was there beside me.  

As an adult whenever I sing this song, I remember the girl that I was once was.  I am so thankful for the faith that was instilled upon my heart so many years ago.  The little girl did not know or understand all the heartache and sorrow that life can bring at times.  She didn't know that life could change in a blink of an eye, but that lesson did come.  Her beloved Grandpa died unexpectedly of a massive heart attack.  I will never forget the phone call and the dread that filled my heart as I heard my Mom's voice.  I knew something bad had happened but I didn't want to wrap my mind around it.  How could Grandpa be gone?  I had just seen him the day before.  He had kissed me and told me that he loved me and that everything was going to be okay.  

I will never forget the night of the visitation.  My Dad's voice thick with tears as he told us that tonight we would see the shell/body of who Grandpa once was...but that the Grandpa that we knew and loved was now in heaven with Jesus.  I am so thankful that my Dad took the time to prepare us and to remind us of where Grandpa had gone and where he would be waiting for us. I remember thinking he looked so peaceful and asleep.  I was hoping and praying it was all a bad dream.  We had so many things that we still needed to do.  So many more talks to have about life and Jesus.  So many more fishing adventures to go on.  I know my Grandpa would have loved Troy and my boys.  Death does not have the final say.  Jesus never left my side during those days..He was all around bringing us comfort through family and friends.  Through His Word and through beautiful church hymns. 

I honestly am not sure how I could have faced the death of my Grandpa without knowing Jesus.  I am not sure how I could have been comforted, the loss felt so great to me that it was overwhelming.  Since that time...I have faced tragedies and the loss of loved ones.  It is never easy to say goodbye to a loved one but Jesus has walked with me through each moment. I know Jesus will abide with me through all the days of my life.  

Do you know Jesus?  Not just know who He is?  But do you  know Him as your Lord, Savior, and friend?  My prayer is that you do.  But if you do not, I know He wants to know you and to abide with you too.  

He is there waiting and longing to talk to you and to spend time with you.  He loves you more than you can possibly imagine.  Please do not think for one minute that you are not good enough to talk to him,...He already knows all about you and loves you just as you are.  If you have never spent time with Him, I would invite you to talk to him just as you would a friend.  He doesn't want or need elaborate or beautiful prayers...He only wants you...just you.  The Bible is His love letter to you.  I would recommend starting with the book of John.  And if you feel the need to have words to pray...look at the Psalms they are beautiful prayers to meditate on and to open your conversations with God.