Abiding is a process hard to describe. Is it Bible study? Well, it could be. Is it prayer? It could be. Is it worshipping? It could be. But abiding really can't be limited to any single activity. Abiding is more like a lifestyle. It's a moment-by-moment awareness of the connection we have with God through Christ. It's a continual sense of dependence on Him. It's a constant understanding of His presence and power in our lives.

The summer before my husband and I got married, we lived about two hours apart. He would call me every night and it would only take about ten minutes to discuss everything about our day. But we just couldn't hang up the phone. As long as the phone line stayed open, we were "together" - even though many miles separated us. We would sit for long spans of time without saying a word. But the connection was open. We were "communing." We were "abiding." If at any moment I wanted to say something, I could do so - knowing that he would hear me. And the same was true for him. There was a constant awareness of his presence on the other end of the line.

Communion with God is sort of like I'm on the phone with Him. I may not be saying anything to Him and He may not be saying anything to me, but the line is open. If He speaks, I'll hear Him. And if I speak, I know He will hear me. There is a constant awareness of His presence and a constant sense of my dependence on Him.