Colossians 1:28-29 NRSV
It is he [Christ] whom we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone in all wisdom, so that we may present everyone mature in Christ. For this I toil and struggle with all the energy that he powerfully inspires within me.
“Originally inspired by a sermon from Colossians 1:29, this hymn is a stunning expression of confidence in Christ to empower us in every circumstance to which he has called us. In our need, his power is displayed!”[2] This is a timely message during the season of Lent, when Christians focus on the sins and weaknesses which we encounter within ourselves daily. In a season of renewed call to spiritual examination, confession, and repentance, we need the reminder that it is only through the power of the indwelling presence of Jesus Christ that the Christian life can be lived.
Our spiritual life is a gift from God through His Son Jesus Christ. As we read in Romans 5:15, “But the free gift is not like the trespass. For if many died through one man’s trespass, much more have the grace of God and the free gift by the grace of that one-man Jesus Christ abounded for many (ESV).”
What gift of grace is Jesus, my Redeemer; there is no more of heaven now to give. He is my joy, my righteousness and freedom, my steadfast love, my deep and boundless peace.
To this I hold: my hope is only Jesus, for my life is wholly bound to his. Oh, how strange and divine, I can sing: all is mine!
Yet not I, but through Christ in me.
Our weaknesses are never more felt than when we are facing troubles and trials, whether they be in the circumstances of life or the inner “dark nights” of the soul. What a comfort to know that we can persevere in life, no matter the obstacle, because Christ’s power is seen most clearly in the weak places of our lives (2 Corinthians 12:9).
The night is dark, but I am not forsaken, for by my side, the Savior, he will stay. I labor on in weakness and rejoicing, for in my need his power is displayed.
To this I hold: my Shepherd will defend me; through the deepest valley he will lead. Oh, the night has been won, and I shall overcome!
Yet not I, but through Christ in me.
Fear of the unknown is a malady common to us all. What does the future hold? Will my money hold out as long as my health? How will my health hold out? Our jobs, our families, and our finances are all legitimate objects of concern, but of more significant and eternal importance is the future of our souls. Here, again, this hymn reminds us that the One who holds all temporal matters in his hands has taken upon himself the life-and-death matter of our eternal destiny. Jesus was born. Jesus lived. Jesus died for our sins and rose again on the third day, overthrowing the grave and releasing us from sin’s bondage.
No fate I dread; I know I am forgiven; the future sure, the price, it has been paid. For Jesus bled and suffered for my pardon, and he was raised to overthrow the grave.
To this I hold: my sin has been defeated; Jesus now and ever is my plea. Oh, the chains are released, I can sing: I am free!
Yet not I, but through Christ in me.
In response to the free gift of eternal life in Jesus Christ; in response to the gift of hope and deliverance from fear in matters current or future, temporal or eternal; in response to the assurance that every resource we will ever need for life and eternity is provided in our Lord Jesus Christ, our lives should exude resounding praise and covenant faithfulness, through our thoughts, words, and deeds, to God our Father for his great gift of salvation in Christ Jesus our Lord.
With every breath I long to follow Jesus, for he has said that he will bring me home. And day by day I know he will renew me until I stand with joy before the throne.
To this I hold: my hope is only Jesus; all the glory evermore to him. When the race is complete, still my lips shall repeat:
Yet not I, but through Christ in me.
Yet Not I, But Through Christ in Me
If you have found this meditation helpful, take a moment and give thanks to God. Then share what you learned with a friend. This is how the grace of God spreads (2 Corinthians 4.15).
[1] Words and Music: Michael Farren, Jonny Robinson, Rich Thompson © 2018 CityAlight Music / Farren Love and War Publishing / Integrity’s Alleluia! Music
[2] The Sing! Hymnal, 2025, p. 941.
