Set your mind and keep focused habitually on the things above [the heavenly things], not on things that are on the earth [which have only temporal value]. For you died [to this world], and your [new, real] life is hidden with Christ in God.
In preparation for the annual women’s conference at our church, a friend of mine in leadership had asked me and another friend to co-author the script for a skit she was directing. Weekly we met for practice to go over lines and rehearse stage direction. The process was exhilarating and exhausting—it seemed every week we were being tested—as if we were living the spiritual struggle of our characters.
The skit is about a young woman—let’s call her Anna—who enters a coffee shop for a caffeine fix and free wi-fi. She is holding her cell phone as she enters the stage. With her head down staring at her phone, Anna runs into the chair of a woman—we’ll call her Jane—who is reading her Bible.
Anna goes over to the barista counter and orders a super fancy coffee drink, then steps aside to numb-out on her phone while she waits. Laughing out loud at a random cat video, she receives an unwanted text. We see Anna texting a rapid reply; she is seething with disgust. Meanwhile, the audience hears an internal monologue of Anna’s thoughts:
ANNA (voice): I must be the only one whose life is this messed up. I see women at church who have it all together. They say things I don’t even understand—“God is in control”? What does that even mean?—I just don’t get it, God! I asked You to be in my life and I don’t see anything changing. My life is still a mess, and I don’t know where I fit in. I feel so out of place.
Jane, who is seated, recognizes Anna as a young woman from church and invites her to come sit down. Reluctantly, Anna sits with Jane and the two begin a conversation about life and faith. Through their honest conversation, Anna realizes that she has been hiding from God, turning instead to social media and broken relationships.
JANE: God sees you, and he loves you. Romans 8:39 says nothing can separate you from God’s love. He wants to show you that…The reason Jesus went to the cross was so He could pour out His love on you, so you could be with Him forever. When you read God’s word, He shows you that you are not alone. Hide yourself in the Word—not in the world—this is where you will find freedom.
ANNA: I want that. I’m ready to be free.
Having compassion on this young woman, Jane offers to pray with Anna.
These are the lies we sometimes believe:
- my life is a mess
- everyone else has it all together
- I don’t fit in and feel out of place
- things will never change
- God can’t help me
What God promises:
- He likes you and wants to be with you
- He loves you so much He died for you
- Nothing can separate you from God’s love
- Jesus accepts you when you come to Him
- He wants to give you life and be with you forever!
What about you my friend? Are you ready to be free? If so, please leave a comment at the end of this study.
Hidden
Read the verse of the day: COLOSSIANS 3:3
Look up today’s verse and read the context of the chapter. Have a pen and paper ready.
- Write down the Bible verse.
- Find the key word and circle it.
- Look up the definition of the word (notice how it is used in context).
- If you are reading from a different translation of the Bible, which word is used instead?
- Underline where you find a promise. Find the heart of this verse and mark it with a heart shape.
(Click here for How to Use a Word Study.)
Meditation
What does this verse reveal about God’s heart? How does this truth refresh your soul? Turn this into your prayer today.
Please leave a comment below to share something that touched you in today’s devotional.
Follow this series
You are reading part of the 31 day series from Weary to Worship. To see other days click on Write 31 Days 2017 from the top menu. Before you go…I have carefully curated a special guide to accompany this series.
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