Greetings!
Therefore as you have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, Colossians 2:6 NASB
We are just a few weeks away from the National Day of Prayer, and so we begin to take a closer look at the 2022 National Day of Prayer Theme verses, Colossians 2:6-7. The first verse is so rich that it could be a sermon series or daily devotional book. The verse begins with, “Therefore,” which should prompt us to look back and read what Paul was saying before he transitioned to the reader’s response. Paul has been sharing the riches and treasure of Christ, and found in Christ; wisdom knowledge, assurance, encouragement, and all that flows from a firm faith in Christ and not the flimsy arguments and offerings of man.
We, like the early reader of this letter, are reminded that we have “received Christ Jesus.” Have you ever tried to ponder all that He is, and all that you have received, as “Christ is your life” (Col. 3:4) and is the author of your life? He is not an accessory, a mascot, religion, or tradition. Your life in Christ, through Christ, for Christ, is based on the relationship you have chosen to accept with Him as your Lord and Savior. As you exalt the Lord; praising Him by recalling and respecting His unchanging attributes, you begin to realize all He is and that in Him, you have a personal loving Lord that always acts out of those attributes. He cannot and will not ever speak or act in any way that conflicts with Who He is, always has been, and always will be. We may not always understand His ways and decisions, but our faith is strengthened by knowing Him. We always love and adore Him for who He is and not based on our agreement or understanding of what He does.
Take some time each day to exalt the Lord and remember all that you have received belonging to Him. How has He been your defender, deliverer? How has He been your Prince of Peace, Rest and Refuge; Your Strength and Sustainer? You have experienced Him as Almighty, Wonderful, and Way-maker when earthly circumstances would have you believe all was lost or impossible. Remember His faithfulness and express yours in praise. This is especially powerful in these days of great crisis in the Ukraine, our economy, and all of the personal challenges we face throughout life. Focusing on the Lord and all we have received as His children and followers fills us with the faith, courage, and strength we need and drains the fear, doubt, and anger that we might have been feeling before we stepped fully into His presence in prayer. As we have received Him, all of Him, we can take that next step and walk in Him.
Will you please join me in prayer now?
Lord Jesus, You are Awesome and Truth, Just and Righteous, Creator and Sustainer of all that exists. You are the Author of my life and Perfecter of my faith. You are my LORD and I commit to walk in faithfulness and loyalty, love, and obedience that You are due. Thank You for all that I have received in You; I could never count all of the blessings You have established in my life, but I commit to blessing You in praise as You have already overcome all my earthly concerns and problems. You are my King and Lord and I want every step of my life to worship You. As I have received You, I will walk in You.
Serving Him with gladness,
Kathy Branzell
President, National Day of Prayer Task Force
