Today I went to check email as usual and found a very pleasant surprise waiting for me. An aquaintance had sent me a little note saying that she was thinking of and praying for me. Her email also contained the verses found in Colossians 1:9-12.
For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding. And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and joyfully giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light.
(Colossians 1:9-12)
What a powerful and wonderful impact that email had on me! I don’t know about you, but as I try to deeply apply a scripture to my day, and my life, I often encounter many emotions along the way.
Comfort. Longing. Encouragement. Sadness. Unworthiness. Peace. Blessing. Joy.
But not all of the emotions I listed are from God! Many of them are brought on by the doubt and negativity instilled by the cares and troubles of the world around me. I find it unsettling that the purity and truth offered in the Word of God is often shadowed by our circumstances as we read it.
At the same time, I am amazed at the transformation that can occur in my spirit as I read a scripture like this. Regardless of how deeply engulfed I may be in my problems, this scripture (and so very many more like it) is capable of quickly changing my heart, my thoughts, and my attitude around.
Do your cares and thoughts sometimes get in the way of the blessings, truth, life and substance offered to you through the Scriptures?
Consider blessing someone today with a simple note saying that you’re thinking and praying for them. Maybe even pass on the wonderful encouragement in Colossians 1:9-12.
Awesome! I will definitely be doing that today! I bet the world will be a little different today as we all send those notes to encourage someone else!
Shera,
How beautiful. And thanks for the reminder. I have a couple of friends who are really going through a hard time and I think I need to send them a note!
Genny
Beautiful reminder, Shera.
Friendships are so important. As sister’s in the Lord we need to be encouraging and lifting up one another. May we all be obedient to the Holy Spirit when He leads us to reach out.
Blessings,
Jenifer
What great admonishment! I love the thought of writing a note and someone being blessed as they read it. The gift of encouragement is priceless. Thank you for sharing your personal story!