The Longer We Steep
I love a good cup of hot tea, especially in the afternoons. Sometimes, when I start feeling a little snacky before dinner, a warm cup of tea is all it takes to satisfy me. Not always, mind you, but sometimes!
As I sit here writing this, I’m sipping on a cup of ginger lemon tea. I’ve been enjoying it for a little while now as I work, and something occurred to me.
I know some people remove their tea bags after a few minutes, but I’ve never been one of them. I leave mine right there in the cup until the very last sip. And you know what happens? The longer that tea bag sits in the hot water, the stronger the tea becomes. The flavor deepens, the color gets richer, and what started out as a mild cup of tea becomes something much more robust.
It made me think about our relationship with God. The longer we spend in His presence, the more His character begins to influence ours.
When we spend time in prayer, read His Word, and simply sit quietly with Him, something happens. Maybe we don’t notice it right away. Just like that tea doesn’t become strong the instant the bag touches the water, our spiritual growth doesn’t happen overnight.
But little by little, His patience begins to replace our impatience. His peace settles into places where worry once lived. His love starts showing up in the way we treat others.
And here’s what I love most about that little tea bag. It doesn’t have to work hard to change the water. It simply has to remain in it.
Jesus said in John 15:4, “Abide in me, and I in you.”
That word abide means to remain, to stay, to dwell. Maybe that’s the reminder we need today. We don’t have to rush through our time with God, checking prayer and Bible reading off our to-do lists. Sometimes, the most important thing we can do is simply stay a little longer.
Because the longer we steep in His presence, the more His goodness becomes part of who we are. And just like my cup of ginger lemon tea, that’s something that only gets better with time.
About Terri Edwards
Hi guys! I’m the content creator behind EatPlant-Based and a licensed Food for Life instructor with the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine. I’m passionate about sharing healthy recipes and tips to help others care well for their health and the bodies God has given us. I’m so glad you’re here! Read More…
October 30, 2026, Morning Brew
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