COLOSSIANS 1:15-17 – He (Christ) is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together.
THEME OF THE DAY. THE CURE TO FRETTING. Ever fret over some thing or situation? Of course. It is a very real part of the human experience – even for Christians. We know the feeling deep inside of our being. There is the racing of the mind going over all the possible outcomes of what we are fretting over. And none of the “what if this happens” consequences in our fretting are good. Fretting doesn’t allow good consequences. It always paints worst case scenarios. Ultimately, fretting has one goal – distract us from looking unto Jesus which will paralyze our spiritual lives. And when Christians are spiritually paralyzed, doubts abound, unbelief settles into the heart, joy is gone, peace is gone, and our witness of the power and Person of the Lord Jesus is ineffective. But there is hope . . . fretting, which is sin, can be consistently defeated. We don’t have to live in the “what if” world of fretting. Today’s scripture offers us the cure to fretting.
The Apostle Paul is writing to the believers in Colossae to instruct and encourage them in the faith. The theme of his letter is the centrality and supremacy of the Lord Jesus. Both are the cure for fretting over anything. Let’s apply them when tempted to get our eyes off the Lord Jesus and become a paralyzed, fretting believer.
First, Christ is God in the flesh – He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. Yes, yes, I know you know. I know you know about Christmas – Immanuel, God with us; Jesus is born, God became flesh. But that is the danger. Truth known doesn’t automatically mean truth lived. Friends, Jesus is real. Jesus is alive. And He promised, “I will never leave you nor forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5). The “what if” fretting that is keeping you awake at night? Stop and remember that you are not alone. Jesus is with you in your fretting and is willing to whisper, “Let not your heart be troubled (fretting). Believe in God, believe in Me” (John 14:1) and quiet your fretting. Pause and listen. Your fretting will melt away as He warms your heart with His Presence.
Next, Christ is the Creator of all things – For by Him all things were created. “All things” include the situation or circumstance you are fretting. If that is true, and it is, what an opportunity to go from a fearful fretting believer to a fearless faithful believer! It won’t be easy, but it is simple. When tempted to fret, stop and realize that your Creator-Christ has ordained what you are about to fret over as an opportunity to trust Him in the “fretting” trial. Try this. The next time the urge to fret over something comes, immediately call out to the Lord, “Father, thank You for this opportunity to build up my faith in You. Take my temptation to fret and turn it into an exciting time to exercise trust.” He will do it because it will bring great glory to Himself as we go from fretting to trusting.
PRAYER: “Father, forgive me when I focus more on my circumstances and fret than my Lord Jesus and trust.”
QUOTE: “The One who spoke all things into existence by His Word is capable of handling your situation by His Word.”