I just couldn’t help myself. I’d read one verse and get a smile on my face and thoughts rushing through my head. But there was so much more waiting for me.
Take a look. I want you to walk with me on this little journey:

“Since the day we heard these things about you, we have continued praying for you. This is what we pray:  that God will make you completely sure of what He wants by giving you all the wisdom and spiritual understanding you need;” Colossians 1:9

While reading verse 9 my thoughts automatically went to my three children. Ever since the day I knew about them, saw their precious little faces, and held them in my arms, I began praying for them.  I’d pray (and still do, it seems even more devoutly now) for them to desire God more than anything.  I pray that they will love Him more each day.  I pray that they desire to grow closer to and know more about Christ every hour.  I pray that God will reveal a glimpse of their future to them as they stay walking with Him, and that Hunter, Holly, and Cole will be filled with wisdom and understanding. I do!  And will continue to do so.
That’s when I notice the semi-colon at the end of verse nine. I wanted more.  So…

 “that this will help you live in a way that brings honor to the Lord and pleases Him in every way; that your life will produce good works of every kind and that you will grow in your knowledge of God;” Colossians 1:9-10

Yes! When we desire what God has planned for our lives, we live in a way that brings glory and honor to Him. Not only that, our knowledge in Christ will grow more. We will never know all there is to know about God while we are here on earth.  Keep growing in Him, my friend.  I so pray this for my children.
Hang on though, there’s more. Didn’t you see that second semi-colon?

“that God will strengthen you with His own great power, so that you will be patient and not give up when troubles come. Then you will be happy,” Colossians 1:9-11

Did you catch that? Oh, brothers and sisters, God will strengthen you! It’s not by your power but His.  Why will He strengthen you?  It says so that you will be patient and not give up when troubles come.  Those troubles sure do come, but when they do call out to Jesus.  He will see you through.  You are not alone!  Ummm, and did you also notice that after those troubles, and when you rely on Him, and when you desire to know Him and His will for you, that you will be happy.  Happy, happy, happy!
Okay, just one more:

“and give thanks to the Father. He has made you able to have what He has promised to give all His holy people, who live in the light.” Colossians 1:9-12

Whew! Are you getting as excited about God’s word as I am?  If not, go back and reread all four verses together.  Don’t just read them, believe them.
When God makes a promise, He means it. It is not broken.  He has so much, oh, alright, everything to give!
I hope you recognized that I started out talking about how I pray this for Hunter, Holly, and Cole, but it’s not for just them; I am praying this for you right now as well.
Seek His face. Give glory and honor to Him.  Be happy!
I pray God’s abundant love and much joy for y’all.