Are You Abiding in Him Right Now?

Reflections on Andrew Murray's 'Abide in Christ' Every morning you open your Bible and offer a prayer. But as the day unfolds, that quiet stillness slips away — swallowed by worry and the noise of ordinary life — and God feels impossibly far. "Am I truly abiding in Christ?" If you've ever stood before that question feeling lost, you're not alone. Andrew Murray, a 19th-century pastor from South Africa, devoted his life to answering exactly that question. His book 'Abide in Christ' (1882) grows out of a single, simple verse in the Gospel of John: "Abide in me, and I in you." — John 15:4 What Does It Mean to "Abide"? Murray describes abiding not as a dramatic spiritual experience, but as the continuity of a relationship. Just as a branch stays connected to the vine, the Christian life is meant to be lived in unbroken union with Jesus. Fruit doesn't come because we do more — it comes because we stay connected. That's the distinction many believers miss. We often feel the pressure to serve harder, pray longer, live more uprightly. But Murray says: First, abide. Everything else will follow. What Abiding Looks Like in Everyday Life So what does this look like practically? Murray points to three simple things. First, dwell in the Word. Set aside even a short time each day to read Scripture and pray, "Lord, hold me in this Word today." It doesn't need to be elaborate. Just intentional. Second, turn prayer from a *time* into an *attitude. When your morning prayer time ends, prayer doesn't have to. While driving, washing dishes, drifting off to sleep — keeping your heart open toward God throughout the day is itself a form of abiding. Third, return quickly after you drift. Murray honestly acknowledges that we will wander from Christ. What matters isn't how long we've been away — it's how quickly we come back. Why This Book Is Worth Your Time 'Abide in Christ' is structured in 31 short chapters — perfect for reading one chapter a day over a month. The theology runs deep, but the writing is warm and unhurried. It speaks equally to seasoned believers who feel like something is missing, and to those just beginning their journey of faith. Most importantly, this book doesn't push you to try harder. It invites you to rest— to simply remain in the One who is the Vine. "There is only one thing you need to do: abide in Him." — Andrew Murray

**📖 Recommended Reading** - Andrew Murray, *Humility* - Andrew Murray, *With Christ in the School of Prayer* - Brother Lawrence, *The Practice of the Presence of God*