An Outpouring Of Joy

“We give thanks to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you.” Colossians 1:3

These words must have been reassuring words for the church at Colosse.  The church has always excelled in troubling times. Today is no different than previous times of trials for people.  Our Lord has equipped the church to  be a motivating presence in all of life’s challenges.  A key component to that motivating presence has always included prayer.  Many people are evaluating their lives now and performing actions which causes humanity to recognize the priorities which should prevail.  Within those thoughts is the working of the Holy Spirit; performing the work of preparing hearts to be receptive to the peace and joy found in the Gospel message. 

It does take the  reader long to recognize the message of the letter in Colossians.  In Christ, the church  can convey the hope that people desperately need.  The Apostle Paul encourages the church to put away our selfish ambitions and legalistic tendencies  and permit the Gospel to prevail.  If the church is going to effective during times of crisis; it must allow the words of Christ dwell in our hearts richly (Colossians 3:16).  As believers  we are encouraged to do all things heartily as unto the Lord (3:23).  Paul goes on to say that believers are to continue earnestly in prayer  and walk in wisdom (4:2; 5).. Paul concludes his thoughts with another call of prayer to remember him and the efforts to share the Gospel.

This short account of the letter of Colossians  behooves all believers to make prayer a priority.  There is no doubt in my mind that people are calling out through prayer  to the deities that they have placed their hope in.  It is the church’s responsibility to help those persons recognize the only Deity that hears and answers.  May your day abound in prayer and seek ways in which you can safely be the hands and feet of the Gospel.  Grace and peace.