Colossians 3 - 3.6.26

Scripture: Colossians 3:15-17

“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”

Observation: 

Peace should be the ruler of our hearts, but we have to let it.  That last part stood out to me.  Paul had been instructing the Colossians as God’s chosen people what to set their mind on and how to live.  He now tells them to be thankful and let Christ’s message dwell among them “richly.”  When you are rich, you have abundance.  That message dwells in them as they teach and encourage each other in all wisdom.  

We are to sing with gratitude. The options to do this are:

Psalms - poems in the Bible written by David and others

Hymns - songs that praise God and recount His goodness

Songs from the Spirit - original song that come out of relationship with God.

Paul states we are to do everything in the name of Jesus and once again reminds us to give thanks. 

Application: 

I need to choose and allow Peace to rule my heart.  In today’s circumstances there are many things that can easily steal our peace.  Even with all the bad news out there it is possible. I need to remember to set my mind on things above and not this earth.  Gratitude gets my focus back on track.  It is interesting that we are encouraged to sing to teach wisdom.  Singing reaches parts of our intellect and engrains truth in our hearts.  I was amazed when I learned that people who had strokes could sing even though they can’t speak.  I witnessed this with a lady I visited at the nursing home.  I am grateful for how music can lift our spirits.  I’m in a small group with Rita and she is always sharing songs that touch her heart.  They have encouraged me too. She is living this out.  I want to do this more myself.

Prayer:

Father God, how thankful I am to you for your care and provision.  You work mightily and I don’t have to be afraid.  I choose to let peace rule in my heart.  Please show me anything that will hinder me from letting peace reign.  Thank you also for how music can touch hearts like nothing else can.  It is such a gift.  Please allow me put into practice what these verses say and get more creative in ways to do so.

Thank you for choosing me and that I am dearly loved.  Help me clothe myself in compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. May I forgive as you have forgiven me. May I do everything in Jesus name and bring honor to Him. Amen

- Cindy Howard