The Weekly Pause: Abide - Returning Again
From TLC This Week - Returning again to the simple invitation to remain near to God.
Dear friend,
Every year, I choose a word to carry with me into the new year. Not as a resolution exactly, but more as something I want to pay attention to with the Lord.
This year, the word has been abide.
And honestly, I don’t think He has let me get very far from it. I’ve been noticing Him drawing me toward a quieter, more grounded rhythm here, too. Less polished content and more honest reflection. More space to notice what God is gently highlighting along the way.
It keeps showing up everywhere.
In Scripture.
In prayer.
In books and teaching.
In conversations with women who are tired and longing for more of God.
Even online, some of the responses I receive most often are from women saying how deeply they need the reminder to simply abide with Him.
I think we’re all a little weary of striving. Weary of the busyness. The hustle. The idea that more is always better.
We want peace, joy, rest, clarity, spiritual growth… but sometimes we overlook the simple invitation Jesus keeps extending to us:
Remain near.
Abide in Me.
Not perform.
Not prove.
Not constantly push harder.
Just stay close.
And on the other side of that closeness is fruit we could never manufacture on our own. Love. Joy. Peace. Patience. Gentleness.
Lately, I’ve found myself wondering what we miss when we ignore that invitation.
“Abide in me, and I in you.”
— John 15:4
Maybe this is simply a small reminder for both of us this week to return again.
⸻ A Deeper Pause for Paid Members ⸻
Paid members of The Lovely Crux (TLC) receive a quieter, more personal continuation of these weekly reflections, including additional spiritual reflections, prayers, Scripture reflections, journal prompts, and the small things God has been gently highlighting along the way.
