“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.”  Colossians 1:16-17

by him

Each time I open the Word, the Lord continually brings me back to one thing: Jesus is at the center of it all. Last year I read through the Bible chronologically for the first time. It revolutionized the way I see the entire Word. From beginning to end, Genesis to Revelation, Jesus is at the center of it all. The Old Testament points to the New and the New points to the Old. Woven throughout every verse is God’s immense, scandalous grace. His mercy is mirrored with His might. His wrath is countered with His lovingkindness. When I was reading in the Old Testament prophets, a weight began to be pressed upon my chest each day I entered my time of Bible study. The realization of my sinful depravity was almost too much to bear. Each day I read I inched closer to the birth of Jesus. The day I turned to Matthew 1, it was as if the weight was lifted and joy burst into my heart. Jesus. Finally, Jesus was here.

I’ve been a believer since I was seven years old. When I was little I would sing myself to sleep with love songs I wrote to my Savior. My sister got the song-writing gene in our family, but the words were meaningful. However, it wasn’t until a few years ago that God began to open my eyes to the unreachable heights of His Word. He began to show me the fact that Jesus must be the center of my life if I truly want to live abundantly. I learned this in my singleness as I waited on the man God would have me marry. I learned this in transition as I graduated college and had no clue what I was going to do. I am learning this in my marriage, now. Day after day He has continued to show me that without Jesus, nothing matters and nothing satisfies. Jesus Christ must be the center of my life for me to have true satisfaction and purpose. 

through him

Without Jesus being at the center, everything falls apart. The universe is a beautiful example of this. Every planet revolves around the sun. Were it to move just a hair, everything would be thrown off balance. This isn’t by accident. God created the cosmos to reflect how our lives are to be ordered. When Jesus, the Son of God, is the center of our decision-making, relationships, purpose, and praise, our world holds together and works. But when we replace Him with ourselves or an idol, everything will be off kilter and fall apart.

Jesus is the glue that holds your life together. The word for “hold” in this verse means “to place, stand, hold or set together.” Every atom, every sound, every speck of dust is held together by Christ. He is the reason there is order and purpose. There are moments when I feel as if my world is falling apart. The key word here is “feel.” We can never rely on our emotions. They aren’t trustworthy and deceive us. We must trust in the faithful and true words of God. Even when life feels like it is falling apart, keep Jesus at the center of it all. Revolve every decision around Him.

for him

Life was never meant to be lived for ourselves. A.W. Tozer asked this simple question: “What is the chief end of man? The chief end of man is to glorify God and enjoy him forever.” That is what Jesus being at the center means. It means a life of enjoyment, of deep, unending love and fulfillment in ways we could never dream of! Jesus is the center of my satisfaction, my dreams and my purpose. You and I were created for him. Let that truth sink in. What does this mean to you?

We were created by him, through him and for him. Sisters, let’s live abundantly in that truth today!