by leaps and bounds

And you are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power (Colossians 2:10).

When I read these words, “You are complete in Him,” I am greatly encouraged. If we are complete in Him, we are whole. Our past, present and future are taken care of by our Lord.

There is healing for our past. As believers, we can think of things we wish we had never done or said. We can think of events in our lives that should have never happened. We can get so caught up in the darkness, hurt and regret of the past that we feel down all the time. Yes, we dwelled in darkness at one time, but He has changed that if we have truly surrendered our lives to Him. Matthew 4:16 says, “The people who sat in darkness have seen a great light. And upon those who sat in the region and shadow of death light has dawned.” God delivers us from darkness. According to Psalm 147:3, He also heals our broken hearts: “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.”

There is help in our present. No one is exempted from troublesome times. The following Scriptures show us that He is here to help us during those times:

The Lord also will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble (Psalm 9:9).

For in the time of trouble He shall hide me in His pavilion; In the secret place of His tabernacle He shall hide me; He shall set me high upon a rock (Psalm 27:5).

The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears, and delivers them out of all their troubles (Psalm 34:17).

There is hope for our future. Believers have an unfathomable eternity awaiting them. I Corinthians 15:19-22 reminds us that Jesus is the reason for our hope: “If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most pitiable. But now Christ is risen from the dead and has become the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since by man came death, by Man also came the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ all shall be made alive.” Hebrews 6:19 says, “This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast…”

Why are we complete in Him? In Him we have healing of our past, help in our present and hope for our future. He truly has us covered.

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Dave Snyder is an Ordained Bishop with the Church of God – Cleveland, Tennessee. Before entering the ministry on a full-time basis, he was a school teacher. He also coached middle school basketball for eight years.

Dave and his wife, Sara, have two children  — Craig and Karen. They also have one ten year old granddaughter  — Breanna. 

Dave and Sara pastored in West Virginia for thirty-six years. Sara is now retired from the banking industry, and Dave is retired from pastoring. However, Dave currently serves as prison Chaplain for the West Virginia Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation. 

Writing essays, articles, and devotionals is a real passion for Dave. He also enjoys playing musical instruments and singing.