I'll be honest with you, I'm not great at keeping plants alive. I've killed more succulents than I care to admit, and don't even get me started on that fiddle leaf fig that looked so promising at the nursery. But you know what I've learned? When a plant starts wilting, it's usually not because it's a bad plant. It's because it's disconnected from what keeps it alive: water, sunlight, nutrients.
The same is true for us spiritually. We can wilt, wither, and wonder why we're not growing, when really, we've just gotten disconnected from our Source.
Last week, we talked about examining our hearts for spiritual fruit. This week, I want to dive into something even more foundational: staying connected to the Vine. Because here's the truth, you can't produce fruit on your own. I can't either. And thankfully, we're not supposed to.
What Does "Abiding in the Vine" Actually Mean?
In John 15, Jesus gives us one of the most beautiful word pictures in all of Scripture. He says, "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).
When I first read that verse years ago, I thought it was about trying harder, being more disciplined, doing more spiritual things. But that's not what abiding means at all. The word "abide" in Greek is meno, which means to remain, to dwell, to stay put. It's not about striving, it's about staying.
Think about a branch on a grapevine. Does the branch wake up every morning and decide to produce grapes? Does it stress about whether it's connected enough? No. It just stays attached to the vine, and the vine does the work. The sap flows, the nutrients come, and fruit happens naturally.
That's what Jesus is inviting us into, not religious performance, but intimate connection.
The Struggle Is Real (And You're Not Alone)
Maybe you're reading this and thinking, "That sounds great, but I don't feel very connected right now." I get it. I've been there more times than I can count.
Some seasons, I feel close to God, like He's right there in every moment. Other times? Radio silence. I pray and it feels like my words hit the ceiling. I read Scripture and my mind wanders to my grocery list or that awkward conversation I had last week.
If that's where you are, can I just say, you're not alone, and you're not failing. Staying connected isn't about perfect feelings or spiritual highs. It's about intentional practices that keep the channel open between you and Jesus, even when you don't feel anything spectacular.
Practical Ways to Stay Rooted
So how do we actually do this? How do we abide when life gets busy, chaotic, or just plain ordinary? Here are some practices that have helped me stay connected, not perfectly, but genuinely.
1. Create Space for Prayer and Worship
I know, I know, you've heard this a thousand times. But hear me out. Prayer isn't about having the perfect words or praying for 30 minutes straight (though if you can, that's amazing). For me, prayer has become more like ongoing conversation throughout the day.
I pray in the car. I pray while folding laundry. I whisper prayers when I'm anxious or overwhelmed. Sometimes it's just, "Jesus, help," and that's enough.
Worship is the same way. I used to think I had to be in a church service to worship, but now I play worship music while I'm getting ready in the morning or working. It shifts my focus from my to-do list back to His presence.
Here's what I've learned: God is less concerned with the length of your prayers and more interested in the posture of your heart. He wants connection, not perfection.
2. Let His Words Sink Deep
Jesus said in John 15:7, "If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you." Did you catch that? His words need to remain in us.
I have always found it hard to complete those ambitious Bible reading plans that promise to get you through the whole Bible in a year. I'd start strong in January, fall behind by February, and give up by March. So I've set up a different approach, I focus on quality over quantity.
Some mornings, I read just one verse. Then I sit with it. I think about it while I'm making coffee. I come back to it during lunch. I ask myself:
- What is God saying here?
- How does this apply to my life right now?
- What would it look like to live this out today?
When Scripture moves from information to transformation, that's when abiding happens. That's when His words start shaping your thoughts, your decisions, your reactions.
3. Practice Trust Through Obedience
This one's tricky because obedience has gotten a bad reputation. It sounds restrictive, like following a bunch of rules. But here's what I've discovered: obedience to Jesus is actually about trust.
When Jesus says to love your enemies, forgive those who hurt you, or give generously, He's not trying to make life harder. He's inviting you into a way of living that keeps you connected to His heart.
I think about it like this: A branch doesn't argue with the vine about which direction to grow. It trusts the vine's wisdom and follows the flow of life coming from it. When I obey what Jesus teaches, even when it's hard, even when it doesn't make sense, I'm essentially saying, "I trust You more than I trust my own understanding."
And every time I choose trust over self-reliance, I feel that connection deepen.
4. Receive His Love (Yes, Receive)
This might be the hardest practice for me personally. I'm much better at doing things for God than I am at simply receiving His love.
But John 15:9 says, "As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love." Jesus doesn't say, "Work hard to earn my love" or "Prove yourself worthy of my love." He says remain in it. Stay in it. Let it surround you.
Maybe you need to hear this today: You don't have to earn God's love. You already have it. Fully. Completely. Unconditionally.
What would change in your life if you really believed that? If you started each day not trying to prove yourself, but simply receiving the love that's already yours?
Making It Real in Daily Life
Here's the beautiful thing about abiding: it's not reserved for pastors, theologians, or people who have their lives together. It's for regular people like you and me who are just trying to navigate life while staying connected to Jesus.
At Light of Damaris, we've always believed that faith shouldn't be separate from daily life. That's why we create products that remind you of God's presence throughout your day: whether it's a candle that fills your space with the scent of spiritual fruit, artwork that catches your eye and lifts your heart, or simple reminders that God is with you in the ordinary moments.
Staying connected isn't about adding more religious activities to your already-full schedule. It's about inviting Jesus into what you're already doing. It's about recognizing that He's the Vine, you're the branch, and your job is simply to stay attached.
The Fruit Will Come
Here's what I want you to remember: When you stay connected to Jesus, fruit is inevitable. Not because you're trying so hard to produce it, but because His life naturally flows through you.
You don't have to stress about whether you're loving enough, joyful enough, or peaceful enough. When you abide in Christ, His love flows through you to others. His joy becomes your strength. His peace guards your heart.
The fruit isn't something you manufacture: it's something you become as you stay rooted in Him.
So maybe today, you don't need to do more. Maybe you just need to stay close. Nestle into the Vine. Let His life flow through you. Trust that He's doing the work, even when you can't see it yet.
Because the truth is, apart from Him, we can do nothing. But connected to Him? We can bear fruit that lasts: fruit that changes us, blesses others, and brings glory to God.
And that's worth staying connected for.