How an Ancient Promise Brings Peace and Confidence Today
If you’ve ever felt a little lost, you’re not alone. You’re unsure of where you stand or feel like life is constantly shifting under your feet. We all wrestle with uncertainty—about our future, our purpose, or even our identity. That’s why certain lines in the Bible can feel like lifelines tossed out in the storm. One of those, for me, is Colossians 3:3: “For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.” At first glance, it feels a bit mysterious, but digging into its meaning reveals something surprisingly real and comforting.
What Does It Mean to “Die” and Live a Hidden Life?
When I hear, “you died,” my first response is confusion. Obviously, I’m still breathing, still walking around. But in the language of faith, this “death” isn’t about my heartbeat stopping. It’s about leaving behind the person I used to be. My old habits, mistakes, and the burdens that weighed me down—those aren’t what define me anymore. Choosing to trust Jesus is like closing the door on a cluttered, cramped old apartment. It’s like stepping into a new, sunlit home. There’s freedom in that move. My past doesn’t get to set the rules. Every new day brings another chance to start fresh. It offers a chance to grow. I can leave yesterday’s baggage at the door.
Hidden With Christ: Not About Hiding, But About Security
The idea of being “hidden” used to sound like faith was meant to be secret. It also felt like I was meant to fade into the background. But the more I reflect on it, the more I see it’s about safety, not secrecy. Imagine the most precious keepsake in your family. It is a photo, a watch, or a letter. It’s tucked away in a jewelry box or safe. You don’t leave it lying around for just anyone to take or damage. That’s how God treats my new, true life. It is lovingly protected. It is kept somewhere no one—not even my doubts or fears—can reach to harm it.
On the outside, I still mess up. People remember who I was or see the rough edges that haven’t been smoothed out yet. But underneath, something deeper is happening. God is quietly, steadily working on me, and the most important changes aren’t always visible. That hidden work is where real, lasting transformation takes root.
Double Layers of Security: With Christ, In God
There’s another layer to this promise. My life isn’t just hidden “with Christ”—it’s “hidden with Christ in God.” It’s like putting a treasure in a locked box, then locking the box inside a vault. The security is doubled. Jesus is my protector, and He Himself is secure in God. No matter what storms rage around me, my real identity and future are in the safest place possible.
I don’t have to worry about losing my way, or about messing things up beyond repair. My life, my hope, and my future aren’t just up to me to protect. They’re in hands far more capable than mine.
Hope for the Journey: The Best Is Yet to Come
Some days, change feels painfully slow. On those days, it’s tempting to wonder if God’s really doing anything at all. Colossians 3:3 reminds us that God’s work in me is often hidden for now. It is like a seed buried in the ground, growing out of sight. The best parts of who I am becoming are still waiting for their moment to bloom. And when the time is right, those changes, that beauty, will be plain for everyone to see.
The Heart of the Promise
- Letting go of the old me, with all my regrets and mistakes
- Knowing my new life is safe—even when it’s not obvious to others
- Trusting that God is actively protecting, shaping, and loving me
- Believing that one day, the best version of myself will be revealed
In the end, Colossians 3:3 isn’t just poetic language or a far-off idea. It’s a daily promise: I am safe, secure, and valued beyond what I can see or imagine. Even on days when I can’t see the difference, I know my life is held in the hands of Christ. I can’t always explain the mystery, but my life is held by God. That truth brings peace, hope, and strength as I move forward. I take one step, one day at a time. I am confident that I am hidden, treasured, and truly secure.
afrancinegreen.com 