Don't Miss God's Promises in Life's Changes as an Empty Nester!
Each year, I guide others through the One Word Workshop, a process designed to help them prayerfully choose a word that aligns with God’s direction for their lives. This year, my word is Abide—a call to remain steadfast in Christ, trust in His promises, and dwell in His presence. Through reflection, prayer, and intentional focus, I’ve embraced Abide as a guiding light in this season of change.
Life as an empty nester brings a whirlwind of emotions—excitement for newfound freedom, grief over a changing family dynamic, and uncertainty about what’s next. This transition, while challenging, is an invitation to deepen your faith and abide in God’s promises. The word abide carries profound meaning, especially in a Christian context. It means to remain, dwell, or stay steadfastly connected. From a biblical perspective, abiding refers to maintaining a close, enduring relationship with Christ. In John 15:4-5, Jesus says, “Abide in Me, and I in you… for apart from Me, you can do nothing.”
Abiding is the key to navigating change with peace and purpose. Let’s explore how staying connected to God can help you embrace this season with hope, renewal, and restoration.
“Abide in Me, and I in you… for apart from Me, you can do nothing.”
John 15:4-5
Abide and Your One Word Focus
Choosing a One Word focus can be a powerful way to align your heart with God’s direction. Abide serves as a foundation for many words that capture the essence of this new season:
Hope – Abiding in Christ strengthens hope as you trust in His promises, even when the future feels uncertain.
Awaken – When you abide, you become more aware of God’s presence and purpose, awakening to His work in your life.
Renew – Abiding allows the Holy Spirit to renew your mind and spirit daily, aligning you with God’s will.
Restore – Abiding leads to restoration, as Christ works in your heart to bring healing and wholeness.
Illuminate – Remaining in God’s Word and presence helps you see life clearly, through the lens of His truth.
No matter what word you choose for the year, centering it around abiding in Christ will help you remain steadfast in faith as you step into this new chapter.
What Abide Means from a Christian Perspective
Abiding in Christ is not a passive experience; it requires intentionality. Here are key ways to deepen your walk with God and experience His sustaining presence in this season of change:
1. Dwelling in His Word
Psalm 1:2-3 reminds us that those who delight in God’s Word are “like a tree planted by streams of water.” Meditating on Scripture helps anchor your heart in truth. Set aside time daily to read and reflect on God’s promises. Consider creating a scripture journal where you record verses that speak to your heart during this transition.
2. Remaining in Prayer
Prayer is the lifeline of abiding. 1 Thessalonians 5:17 encourages us to “pray without ceasing.” As an empty nester, your prayers may shift from actively guiding your children to interceding for them from a distance. Use this time to deepen your conversation with God, surrendering your worries and listening for His voice.
Prayer is the lifeline of abiding.
1 Thessalonians 5:17
“Pray without ceasing.”
3. Living in Obedience
Obedience is a fruit of abiding. 1 John 3:24 says, “The one who keeps God’s commandments abides in Him, and He in them.” Trusting God’s direction in this new season may require stepping into unknown territory—perhaps pursuing a new passion, serving in a ministry, or letting go of past expectations. When you abide, obedience becomes an act of love rather than obligation.
4. Trusting in His Presence
Isaiah 26:3-4 promises that God will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast on Him. The empty nest season can feel lonely at times, but abiding assures you that you are never alone. His presence is your source of peace and strength.
Letting go and trusting God aids in navigating the empty nest phase. Abiding in Him deepens faith and self-connection, bringing peace amid uncertainty. Embrace daily prayer and meditation to nurture this bond. Trusting God lifts worries and illuminates your path with purpose, helping you rediscover passions and foster connections. Transform your home and life to align with your new identity. You're not alone; God is with you, guiding you to a fulfilling next chapter.
How to Apply Abide in Your Life
Create Daily Habits of Connection – Set aside intentional time for prayer, Bible reading, or worship. Even a few minutes of focused connection with God can set the tone for your day.
Practice Surrender – Give your worries, plans, and desires to God, trusting in His perfect timing. Let go of control and embrace His plan for this season.
Seek Fruitfulness – Focus on bearing the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) by staying connected to Christ, the vine. Ask God to cultivate love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control in your life.
Build Community – Surround yourself with people who encourage and challenge you to remain in God’s love. Join a Bible study, prayer group, or online Christian community.
Reflect on His Faithfulness – Keep a journal of how God shows up in your life, fostering trust and gratitude. Looking back on His past faithfulness will strengthen your faith for the future.
Final Thoughts: Embracing Abide in This Season
The empty nest is not an ending but a beautiful new beginning. As you abide in Christ, He will guide, renew, and sustain you. This season is an opportunity to deepen your faith, rediscover purpose, and embrace God’s unfolding plan.
How does abide resonate with your journey? How does abide speak to your journey? Reflect on its meaning and uplift one another in staying rooted in Him! Drop your word of the year in the comments section toward the bottom of this page! 👇
Elevate your prayer life by reading "Intercessory Prayer" by Dutch Sheets. Our small group is studying this book, and we've received many prayer requests since we began. We've witnessed God’s blessings in many lives!
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