Keep it Together

He is before all things and by him all things hold together.

Colossians 1:17

Forgive me for taking this verse a wee bit out of context, but I was at my wits end. I did not think I could keep it together. Then, while reading through the small book of Colossians, these words, “by him all things hold together” immediately jumped out at me.

I could imagine him actually holding me together in the midst of my chaos and stress. I could envision resting in his arms instead of going around like a “chicken with my head cut off” in all directions not accomplishing a thing. I felt the strength of being held together by him ease my anxiety.

This passage of scripture actually referred to Jesus as the Supreme One holding the church together, the believers together, by his bloodshed on the cross. His equality with God remains true. It goes on to talk about how God reconciled us to himself through the blood of Jesus. What a powerful gospel message! That in itself encouraged me even more.

Maybe I did not take the verse as much out of context as I thought. He does hold us together with God. In the midst of doing so, he helps keep us together as we give our anxiety to him. 

Lately, things seem to be tougher than most of us have ever experienced in our lives. The good news is he does not expect us to go through any of it on our own. He wants to strengthen, comfort, and guide us. He knows what we are going through. He’s already there. He has seen it all.

I can breathe much easier now after spending time in his Word. I do not have to keep it together on my own. I can trust him to help me.

Lord, you really do hold us together. You hold out your hand for us to take. You are our true encourager. Thank you, Lord. Thank you.

Susan P.