Day 15: The Indwelling Christ
Scripture: Galatians 2:20 (WEB)
I have been crucified with Christ, and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. That life which I now live in the flesh, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself up for me.
Some of the most profound mysteries of God may lose their meaning when they become familiar and convenient “church words.” We’ve read or heard the verses repeatedly, and know they mean something important, but the impact can get lost in the familiarity.
What Paul tells us in this passage is one of the most profound mysteries of the Christian life: Christ lives in you.
Not just beside you.
Not merely around you.
Not somewhere else, or at some other time.
He lives within you.
“I have been crucified with Christ” means that our old identity – the self-sufficient, rule bound, make-things-look-good life, – is dead and gone. Once we accept this reality, that our old way of living is gone, there is room for Christ to take up residence in that void. We have a new life powered by the presence of Jesus Himself. This new life is powered by His presence, not by willpower or being good or performing as we think we ought.
Once you grasp the enormity of this mystery you realize that you are not alone in your struggles, your daily decisions and schedules. You are never alone to face your doubts or fears. Christ lives in you. This is not simply a good idea or a goal to strive for. This is a present reality. Stop striving to be present and allow Jesus to be present in you by default.
Jesus is a living and active presence in you that doesn’t need your power or abilities. He is an ever-present reality you can rely on. This is the mystery:
Jesus loves you,
He gave himself for you
He now lives in and through you.
His presence in you is not about trying harder or being better. His love is about trusting deeper regardless of how you feel about yourself. Let His life flow through you today, like the life-giving sap flows through a branch – unseen but full of power, purpose, and love.
Practice for Today: Let Christ Live Through You
Before beginning each major activity today—whether work, conversation, or rest—pause for a breath and say:
“Christ, live in me now.”
Then go forward trusting that you are not acting alone. You are a vessel of His love, peace, and grace.
Journaling Prompt
What would change in my thoughts, actions, or relationships if I truly believed Christ was living His life through me today?
Closing Blessing
Awaken you soul to the life-giving power of Christ in you,
Feel the deep peace, quiet strength, and settled confidence of this reality.
Allow His presence to motivate your actions, your words, even your thoughts.
When you do so, you find the joy in the mystery:
you no longer live, but Christ lives in you.
Because He lives in you, He shines His love through you.
Pray As You Go
Inhale: Not I, but Christ…
Exhale: …lives in me.
"You are never alone to face your doubts or fears. Christ lives in you. This is not a good idea or a goal to strive for." Why am I having trouble understanding the second sentence?