Rooted and Built Up

What do we turn to when life doesn’t go our way?

It’s easy to say that Jesus is our foundation. But disappointment, uncertainty, and unanswered prayer can reveal where we’re actually placing our trust. We may believe He is faithful and preeminent while still trying to carry everything ourselves.

Paul brings us back to the One we trusted in the beginning: “Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.” Colossians 2:6–7 (ESV)

We received Jesus by faith. We keep walking with Him the same way. That means trusting Him with the conversation we’re dreading, the decision we cannot settle, and the situation we wish He would change. Following Jesus involves bringing our everyday lives under His care and responding to what He says.

The same Jesus who saved us is the One who sustains us. Paul describes us as rooted and built up in Christ. Our roots draw their strength from Him, and our lives continue to build on the foundation He has already laid. We need that strength when life gets difficult. Sometimes we want God to remove the pressure immediately. Yet He can use those very circumstances to strengthen our faith and teach us perseverance. We can ask Him for help while continuing to trust and obey Him.

And Paul reminds us to keep giving thanks. Gratitude helps us remember how much we have already received. Even while we wait for an answer, we can thank God for His presence, His grace, and the salvation He has given us.

But we also need to pay attention to what is shaping our thoughts and beliefs. Paul warns against being taken captive by teaching that leads us away from Christ. We hear plenty of confident and inviting voices. A message can sound convincing, appeal to our feelings, and still pull us away from God’s truth.

Are we examining what we hear in light of Scripture? Are we allowing Jesus and the whole counsel of the Word of God to shape our beliefs and behavior? What we allow to influence us will affect how we live.

Paul then reminds us why we can build our lives on the foundation in Christ: the fullness of God dwells in Him, and we have been filled in Him. We don’t need to search elsewhere for something that will make His salvation complete. God has made us alive with Christ. He has forgiven our sins and canceled the debt that stood against us. Through the cross, Jesus triumphed over the powers against us! AMEN!

We can bring our failures and fears to Him honestly. We can resist temptation with His help. We can face today knowing we belong to the One who has already won the victory!

Love & Blessings,

Pastor Tim

Living the Word

Bring one situation to the Lord this week where your response has revealed worry, self-reliance, or discouragement. Be honest about what you have been depending upon.

Read Colossians 2:6–15 slowly. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you trust what Jesus has accomplished and show you the next step of obedience. Then, give thanks – verbally give thanks and praise to the Lord for his love, provision and protection over you.

This Week: Reflect and/or Journal

1. What voices or messages do I need to examine in light of God’s Word?

2. What can I thank God for while I’m waiting, uncertain or discouraged?

This week, keep walking in Jesus. Let His Word shape your choices, depend on His strength, and remember what He has already done for you.