Deep Roots, True Freedom
Think of a tree planted beside a stream. Its roots drink deeply from the water, so it stands firm, grows tall, and bears fruit—even when seasons change.
Psalm 1 speaks of people who prosper in all they do. They are like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season. Their leaves never wither. [Psalm 1:3]. Abiding in Christ is much like that tree. It means staying closely rooted in Him—feeding on His presence, truths, and love—so that no matter what life throws at us, our lives can flourish.
Jesus says:
“Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me.” (John 15:4 ESV)
“Apart from me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5 ESV)
These verses tell us that our strength, freedom from sin, fear, guilt, and shame all flow from this connection—with Jesus as our true life-source. Apart from Him, we can do “nothing” and that “nothing” includes living a joyful and content life free from sin, guilt, shame, and past regrets.
What Does Abiding Mean, Really?
To abide isn’t just believing; it’s living in close relationship. It means:
- Quietly trusting Him daily
- Feeding on His Word
- Walking in obedience, even when your heart resists
- Talking to Him honestly—when you’re joyful, when you’re hurting
Living this way transforms us. The guilt, fear, shame, and besetting sin or addictions that once ruled begin to lose their grip—not because of our willpower, but because Christ’s life flows more deeply through us. When the source of your strength to live a godly life isn’t you anymore, but is Christ, that’s when you are truly abiding in Christ.
I became a Christian back in 1997 and was eagerly and passionately serving the Lord at every opportunity. Read About Me here. Yet, for several years, I battled past regrets, guilt, and shame. I was already a very prideful, arrogant, and short tempered person. All my efforts to live a godly life only made me more miserable. And my frustration led me to more sin. Before long, I realized I was now struggling to be free from sin and guilt and this daily battle to live a godly life was beginning to exhaust me. Is that what living a Christian life is like? One day, I cried out to God, “Lord! I cannot do this! I am not worthy to be called your son. I am not worthy to serve you. I don’t have it in me to live a life that is pleasing to you. I love you, I truly WANT to serve you and live a life pleasing to you, but I cannot. I am sorry Lord. Please forgive me.” I cried a lot.
But thereafter, when I opened God’s Word, He began to speak to me and show me that unless in abide in Him, I will never be able to live a godly life. In my own strength, I will consistenly be a failure, but true freedom is in “surrender”. I read John 1:12–13: that receiving Christ makes me God’s child—not because of my performance, but because of His grace. I reminded myself everyday that I am going to fight my daily battles in His strength and not my own.
The shame didn’t vanish overnight—but with repeated moments of abiding, I began to feel His love replacing condemnation. When shame or fear crept in, my first response became: “I’m holding onto Jesus—not holding onto my sin.” I am saved by His grace and not by my performance. He chose me much before I even thought of Him. With that, I eventually found freedom. Truly, where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.
Bible Verses to Hold On To
- John 1:12–13 – We aren’t saved by works; we’re born of God when we receive Him.
- 1 John 1:7 – When we live in the light and confess, His blood cleanses us from every sin.
- Romans 8:1–2 – “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”
- 2 Corinthians 3:17 – “Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.”
Each of these verses underlines that abiding is not about striving harder—it’s about rooting ourselves more deeply in Him, where real change happens.
Abiding in Christ involves daily private chats with Him. I go for quiet walks with my dog on my own. I find it the perfect time to speak to my Lord and listen to Him. I was watching home renovations on HGTV. Nothing wrong with that, but I slowly realized I was envious of some homes and the lifestyles of people I saw. My mind was drawn towards renovation plans for my own home. I began to envy the lifestyles. But when I went for my walk, I immediately started talking to the Lord, telling Him exactly how I was feeling. It had become a habit. I soon was reminded that I needed to be grateful for our home, my lovely godly wife and daughter, the peace in our home and all of our provisions. I was reminded of how far the Lord has brought me from what I used to be. Very soon, the thoughts of envy and prideful ambition disappeared. I was joyful and content again.
I only share this hoping to bless you because the joy, the peace and the contentment you can experience when you abide in Christ is inexpressible in mere words.
“And now, just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to follow him. Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness.”
Colossians 2:6-7 NLT
Reflection Questions
- Where do you feel unrooted or shaken right now? What would it look like to pause and “abide” in Christ before reacting?
- When shame, fear, or guilt rises, how can you intentionally reach for Christ’s presence instead of hiding from it?
- What small habit could help you root more deeply in Him each day—reading a verse, speaking to Him, listening quietly?