The Vine of Life

   "I am the vine; 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." (John 15:5)

   Jesus is the source of our life and vitality. When we're rooted in Him, our lives are proliferous with goodness, peace, joy, and righteousness. It's in Jesus that we receive the courage we need, the liveliness we hope for, and the serenity we seek. Only in Jesus.

   "If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned." (John 15:6)

   Apart from Jesus, however, our life-source is cut off. We lose our peace, we become empty and thirsty, and our songs of thanksgiving and delight are replaced with envy and sorrows. Away from Jesus.

   Even the slightest drift can be disastrous. The closer to Christ we are the more living in abundant grace, forgiveness, and joy becomes reality.

   "You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand." (Psalm 16:11)

   When we come to Him in prayer that's overflowing with gratitude and reverence, He changes our hearts. We begin to honestly desire to see His will manifest, and this is the result of a changed heart. Therefore, He reveals the path we are to take for His glory.

   In His Presence is where we find that hope to press on, but God doesn't just yell at us the way some insane personal trainer motivates his client. God graciously anoints His called children with the gentle kiss of His peace and love and joy. When we're filled with all this goodness, we can't help but overflow with joy! This is where He fills us with joy!

   Remain in Jesus, the Vine of Life, and be transformed from worldly emptiness and despair to being filled with joy and hope. Give praise and honour and thanks to the God who has given us all we need in Christ. Apart from Him, we are nothing, and our hearts are hollow. But in His Presence, and in line with His marvellous plan, we have more than enough. After all, His grace is sufficient!

   "But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me." (2 Corinthians 12:9)

   His power is perfect in us when we're emptied of self and pining for Him. Weaknesses are simply outlets for His wondrous works to be manifested.

Christ Jesus our Lord and Saviour, You are all we need. When we lose our way, to You we'll say, "Come and fix this heart!" Then, O Lord, you can start. Your work of peace You do release. All else but You is not needed, for the world Thou hast defeated!

   -The Introverted Evangelist