Today’s Scripture:
“So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.” – Colossians 2:6-7
Reflecting on Spiritual Practices
As we conclude this week of reflection on spiritual practices—prayer, solitude, gratitude, Scripture, worship, and fasting—it’s important to recognize that the journey has only just begun. These practices are foundational, but they require continual engagement and intentional growth. To maintain and deepen the progress we’ve made, we must continue to root ourselves in the truths of Scripture and in community with others. That’s why, as we move forward in the new year, I invite you to join us in the study of The Book of Colossians, which will be released with pastor and author Louie Giglio on January 9th here on QAVA.
Colossians offers a powerful framework for understanding the supremacy of Christ and how we can live in response to His greatness. The themes in Colossians will continue to support and challenge the spiritual practices we’ve discussed over the past week. This short letter to the church in Colossae is packed with deep theological truths that encourage us to be rooted in Christ, build our lives on Him, and overflow with gratitude in all circumstances.
In Colossians 2:6-7, Paul encourages believers to continue living in Christ, being “rooted and built up” in Him.
Just as a tree cannot grow without deep roots in the soil, we cannot grow spiritually unless we are firmly rooted in the person of Christ.
The spiritual practices we’ve discussed this week —prayer, silence and solitude, gratitude, engaging with Scripture, worship, and fasting—are all ways to root ourselves more deeply in Christ. Each practice serves to help us stay connected to Him, to grow in our understanding of who He is, and to allow His presence to shape our lives.
In addition to being rooted in Christ, Colossians emphasizes being “built up” in Him. Spiritual practices, like the ones we’ve explored, are essential to this process of building up. Just as we must consistently nourish a tree for it to grow, we must consistently engage in practices that help us grow in our relationship with God.
Colossians will continue to point us back to the sufficiency of Christ, reminding us that He is our strength and source for growth.
Whether it’s through regular prayer, meditating on Scripture, or engaging in acts of worship, the practice of connecting with God shapes our hearts and strengthens our faith.
One of the most beautiful aspects of Colossians is its call to live with thanksgiving. Paul repeatedly emphasizes gratitude as an essential part of our Christian walk. In Colossians 2:7, he speaks of believers being “overflowing with thankfulness.” This echoes much of what we’ve discussed in our devotional this week—gratitude is not just an occasional sentiment; it is a continuous heart posture that flows out of our awareness of God’s work in our lives. As we enter into the study of Colossians, I hope it will be a continuation of the foundation we’ve laid in these first days of the year.
Today’s Challenge:
Commit to engaging with The Book of Colossians over the next several weeks. Allow the themes of Christ’s supremacy, gratitude, and the call to live out your faith to deepen your spiritual practices. Whether through daily reading, discussion, or reflection, let the message of Colossians continue to shape your walk with God this year.Today’s Prayer:
Lord, thank You for the powerful truths in Your Word, and for the opportunity to dive deeper. Help me to be rooted in Christ, to build my life on His sufficiency, and to live each day with a heart of gratitude. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
