Truth, Then Experience
Growth in Christ is not a leap to the top, but a quiet ascent step by step, always upward in truth and grace.
Today’s Abide Above presents a timely reminder that the Christian life is not shaped by the pursuit of experiences, but by the steady intake of truth. Experiences, while real and sometimes meaningful, are not the foundation of growth. In fact, when experience becomes the focus, spiritual discernment, maturity, and stability are often lacking.
Instead, Scripture calls us to grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (2 Peter 3:18). That growth comes through understanding what was accomplished at the Cross and what it means to be united with Christ right now—not in chasing another emotional high.
The devotional reminds us that there is no biblical support for the idea of an instant spiritual leap from immaturity to godliness. True transformation unfolds like human growth: slow, steady, and purposeful. And as truth is deeply received and appropriated, experience naturally follows. In other words, we don’t live from experience toward truth; we live from truth that blossoms into experience.
Personalized Journal Entry – In the Holy Spirit’s Voice Through Scripture
I lead you not through clouds of emotion but through the light of truth. You are sanctified in truth—My word is truth. I remind you that faith does not come by experience but by hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ. Experience may stir for a moment, but it is truth that anchors and matures you.
You have been raised with Christ—set your mind on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Your life is hidden with Him, and that truth is the foundation from which your thoughts, choices, and worship rise. As a branch abides in the vine, you abide in Me by letting My words remain in you.
I delight when you meditate on My Word day and night, for then you become like a tree planted by rivers of water, yielding fruit in season. Not by emotional surges, but by the unfolding of My Word, you are enlightened. I unfold My truth to you, precept upon precept, so that you may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
This is the rhythm of growth: not leaps but steps. Not striving but resting. You increase in the knowledge of God as I deepen your roots in Christ. My grace teaches you to say no to ungodliness and to live sensibly, righteously, and godly in this present age. And as you behold the glory of the Lord, you are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another—this is from Me.
Let your soul be at rest. Walk in the truth. Abide in Me. Experience will follow—but it will be the fruit, not the root.
References: John 17:17; Romans 10:17; Colossians 3:1–3; John 15:7; Psalm 1:2–3; Psalm 119:130; 2 Timothy 3:16–17; Titus 2:11–12; 2 Corinthians 3:18.
Prayer – From My Heart to His
Father, thank You that my growth is not dependent on chasing after fleeting moments, but on the unchanging reality of Your Word and the finished work of Christ. You’ve already united me with Jesus. I trust that as I rest in that union, You are growing me in grace day by day. I rejoice that I don’t have to manufacture devotion—I simply yield to Your Spirit, who leads me into all truth. I welcome every step of this journey, knowing that You are both the author and perfecter of my faith. I embrace the simplicity of abiding, confident that experience will blossom from the soil of truth.
Devotional Credit:
Today’s devotional was inspired by Abide Above – April 10: Truth, Then Experience
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