If you had to describe your schedule in one word, chances are it would be: packed. (Or maybe: “help.”)
From the moment the alarm clock goes off, we’re off and running. There are emails to answer, lunches to pack, meetings to run, errands to juggle, soccer practices to drive to, and oh yes, that mountain of laundry that seems to keep growing every time we walk past it.
We live in a hurry-up world. But in the middle of all the noise, deadlines, and demands, Jesus whispers something so counter-cultural: “Abide in Me.”
He’s not shouting over the chaos. He’s inviting. He’s offering us a way to live rooted, not rushed. Present, not panicked. Restful, not restless.
John 15:4–8 (NLT) puts it this way:
“Remain in me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me. Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing. Anyone who does not remain in me is thrown away like a useless branch and withers. Such branches are gathered into a pile to be burned. But if you remain in me and my words remain in you, you may ask for anything you want, and it will be granted! When you produce much fruit, you are my true disciples. This brings great glory to my Father.”
Abiding in Jesus isn’t just a nice spiritual add-on when life slows down (spoiler: it never really does). It’s the source of true fruitfulness. It’s what keeps us alive, grounded, and growing in Him.
The good news? Abiding doesn’t require you to quit your job, abandon your family, or move to a monastery in the mountains. (Although, I admit, some days that monastery idea sounds very appealing.) Abiding can be woven right into your full and busy life. Here are a few simple, practical ways to remain in Jesus each day:
1. Start Your Day with Jesus (Not Your Inbox)
Instead of rolling over and scrolling your phone first thing, start your day with Scripture, prayer, and journaling. Just 15–20 minutes of seeking God in the morning can set the tone for your whole day.
Need some structure? That’s why I created The Seek First Journal to help you build a consistent rhythm of reading God’s Word, praying, and walking closely with Him. Trust me, your soul will be more nourished by 20 minutes with Jesus than 20 minutes of checking what your cousin had for dinner last night on Instagram.
2. Add Prayer to Everyday Routines
You don’t need an hour-long prayer retreat (but good for you if you do!) Just turn ordinary moments into prayer check-ins with the Holy Spirit.
- Pray before or after meals (beyond just “thanks for the food”).
- Pray while driving after school drop-off.
- Pray when stirring the spaghetti sauce or folding socks.
Use those everyday pauses to thank God, lay your worries before Him, and invite His guidance.
3. Create a Daily Praise Break
Blast one worship song a day. Maybe during your commute, while brushing your teeth, or as you tackle the dishes. Take a few minutes to lift your heart to God and remind yourself Who’s in charge.
4. Memorize Scripture
Pick one verse or short passage a week. Review it daily until it sinks deep. Over time, God’s Word becomes a well you can draw from when life feels dry. Here’s a great starting list: 10 Scriptures to Memorize That Will Strengthen Your Faith.
5. End Your Day with the Word and Prayer
Make Scripture and prayer part of your bedtime routine. Read and pray with your kids, or just spend a few minutes reflecting with Jesus before lights out. Ending your day with Him quiets your soul more than another Netflix episode ever could.
6. Start a Prayer Text Thread
Gather a couple of friends and share prayer requests daily or weekly. Commit to praying for each other. Bonus: it deepens your friendships and keeps you connected spiritually.
7. Practice Breath Prayer
This is a simple yet powerful way to connect with God throughout the day. Inhale and pray a short phrase like, “Lord, you are my peace.” Exhale and pray, “I rest in You.” It’s a rhythm that calms anxiety and fixes your thoughts on God. You can learn more here: 4 Ways to Pray More and Worry Less.
Friend, the truth is this: we will always be busy. But we don’t have to be spiritually barren. When we choose to abide in Jesus, He fills our days—not with more chaos, but with fruit that lasts.
Abiding produces patience when we want to snap, joy when life feels heavy, peace when the calendar is overwhelming, and wisdom when we don’t know what to do. And most importantly, it keeps us rooted in the One who loves us most.
So, let’s not just “get through” our busy days. Let’s remain in Jesus in the middle of them. That’s where the joy, the peace, and the power are found. That’s where life truly is.