Since the Lord began opening the Truth of His grace, His promised rest, and the absolute necessity of both for victory, I have struggled with scriptures pertaining to effort or labor. It seemed contradicting. I’ve waffled incessantly between tireless striving and passivity, recognizing an imbalance in each. This morning, however, God reconciled the relationship between His gift and His command through the words in Colossians 1:23.
“Don’t drift away from the assurance you received when you heard the Good News.” Colossians 1:23 (NLT)
Drifting is an interesting word used in this scripture, but it is, by definition, perfect in articulating the writer’s real warning. Webster’s dictionary defines drifting as “a general underlying design or tendency.” Meaning, drifting is a natural tendency. Not drifting (I.e. staying in place), on the other hand, requires effort.
Assurance is also perfectly articulate. By definition, it means confidence of mind, easy freedom from self-doubt or uncertainty, and the act of conveying real property. In other words, God, through Christ, has given you and me confidence and boldness in His presence. He’s given us easy freedom from all self-doubt and uncertainty. And He has given all He has (righteousness, peace, joy, health, freedom, power, etc.) to us for both our possession and enjoyment.
God opened my eyes to see that “Don’t drift” is His command, and “the assurance” is His gift. Meaning, our only real effort in this life is to hold on to all God has freely given us through Christ.
“Let us labour, therefore, to enter into that rest…”. Hebrews 4:11 (KJV)
So, are you fighting constant feelings of guilt? Don’t drift!
“For our guilty consciences have been sprinkled with Christ’s blood to make us clean…” Hebrews 10:22 (NLT)
Do you feel hopeless, down-trodden, or defeated? Don’t drift!
“Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with My victorious right hand.” Isaiah 41:10 (NLT)
Are you lonely or defenseless? Don’t drift!
“I will never [under any circumstances] desert you [nor give you up nor leave you without support, nor will I in any degree leave you helpless], nor will I forsake you or let you down or relax My hold on you [assuredly not]!” Hebrews 13:5 (AMP)
Jesus, the Word, is our assurance. So, when the waves of circumstance, emotion or doubt come crashing, let us hold on to our anchor. Let us labor to enter. And, let us never drift from His gift. 🙂
“Let us HOLD TIGHTLY without wavering TO THE HOPE we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep His promise.” Hebrews 10:23 (NLT) (EMPHASIS MINE)
“This hope is a strong and trustworthy ANCHOR for our souls.” Hebrews 6:19 (NLT) (EMPHASIS MINE)
“Now thanks be to God for His indescribable gift [which is precious beyond words]!”
2 CORINTHIANS 9:15 (AMP)
