Friday, September 25, 2020

Today’s post is written by Deacon Karen Katamay.

“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly; teach and admonish one another in all wisdom.” —Colossians 3:16

What a wonderful concept, letting the word of Christ dwell in you richly! I love that thought! I also know that when I don’t do this, I find myself feeling more stressed and worried about things than I should be if the words of Christ were dwelling within me. The words of Jesus are actually anti-stress, when you think about them. “Do not worry about your life” (Matthew 6:25,). “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28), “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid” (John 14:27). These are just a few of the words of Jesus.

I also like the second part of this verse, which was left out of the daily text. The full verse is this: “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” (Colossians 3:16). I also find my heart is lighter when it is filled with gratitude for God and all that God does for us. Even on our worst days, we can still find things to be grateful for, and gratitude for all that Christ did for us, up to and including dying on the cross for our sins and redeeming us through his death and resurrection!  

So today, and every day, allow the words of Jesus to dwell in you richly and bring you peace. Amen.