I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. – John 15:5 KJV
When we go through trying times, circumstances try to disconnect us from abiding in the vine. Our position in Christ is a position of trust, safety, and peace. As soon as we sense an inner turmoil, we must connect with the Lord through prayer and worship. Even when all we can do is call upon His name, it helps us disengage from whatever is trying to bring us down.
Even when we realize our behavior falls short, we can approach the Lord and go to His throne of grace. Humbly, we admit and confess our faults and request His touch. We accept His forgiveness, forgive others, ourselves, and even God. When we feel depleted and wearied, we hang in there, in the vine, and let His life flow in and through us, with thanksgiving.
Jesus is the vine; we are the branches. We abide in the vine through our communion with Him. A branch alone cannot carry life. It draws its life from the vine, remaining in constant contact with its life source. As we do, we can rest in any situation, bear more fruit, and glorify Him. Apart from Him, we can do nothing, but because we are a part of Him, we can do all things, from glory to glory!