Therefore, as you have received Christ Jesus the Lord, walk in (union with) Him (reflecting His character in the things you do and say – living lives that lead others away from sin), having been deeply rooted (in Him) and now being continually built up in Him and (becoming increasingly more) established in your faith, just as you were taught, and overflowing in it with gratitude |Colossians 2:6-7|.
We realize rather quickly just how connected and useful every part of our body is when we either hurt or lose it. Even more disconcerting is the indeterminate length of time it takes to reorient and find ways to make up for what is hurting or lost. If we stub a toe, the body curls up in ball of pain. If the right side is affected, we rely on the left side to carry more of the weight, and vice versa. We also learn a lesson or two in resilience and ingenuity.
God’s word on paper is beautiful to read, even more so when seen at work in the everyday lives of people, particularly those in the throes of loss and pain. I have learned a lot these past few weeks spending time with his family and seeing the unmistakable fruits of living a life deeply rooted in Christ. I see the importance of Bible study, but also intentionally imposing the weight of His word on surly situations and life circumstances |Matthew 7:24-27|. I see that it is being joined to Him, mind, body and soul that boosts the continued awareness of His presence, and the assurance that our feelings though valid do not affect His faithfulness. The book of Psalm talks about the cedars of Lebanon that God (without the input of man) planted, and how well they flourish |Psalm 104:16|. She (his wife) is exactly that. Like the tree planted by the riverbank, bearing fruit (irrespective of external conditions/climate changes) in every season. Strong and durable, graceful and beautiful, high and tall, fragrant and spreading wide, comforting others whilst herself in need of comfort. “It is well”, she says. Not as mere rhetoric but as a declaration, professing the promise of her God. The One in whom her roots run deep. The One who like the sap in the cedar trees, nourishes and sustains her. It is in Him that she lives, moves, and has her being. She stays connected (joined) to Him, curled up in His comfort with the full weight of her person laid on Him. Her strength (resilience) is of God. Isn’t this what it means to be more like Jesus? Sweating blood under the heaviness of what was to come but remaining steadfast in purpose. Displaying a quiet strength that firmly announces God’s sovereignty and exalts His name above all, be it person, place, thing or death.
There she goes, unknowingly stamping her footprints on my heart. Painting a masterpiece with her life by showing that truly, blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord |Jeremiah 17:7|. It is all the clearer to me my need for Jesus, and my role in establishing my being (life) in Him. For all the times I have felt far away from Him, I was at fault. It was I who abandoned Him, idolizing my feelings and flesh, and diverting my attention to lesser things. I bought the lie that I was forgotten because my heart turned from Him, was inadvertently placed in the shaky hands of a person or thing.
My life’s goal is Colossians 2:6-7. To reflect Jesus in my thoughts (mindset), talk (life speaking) and walk (actions). To live deeply rooted in Him. To bare fruits that lead multitudes to Him. To always live overflowing with gratitude to my God, the One who reigns!
Happy Monyaaaaaay!
Xo, Mel
WateredSeed 