LET

And LET the peace of God rule in your
hearts, to the which also ye are called
in one body; and be ye thankful.
LET the word of Christ dwell in you
richly in all wisdom; teaching and
admonishing one another in psalms
and hymns and spiritual songs, singing
with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
Colossians 3: 15,16

The word “let” has been a part of our vocabulary all of our lives. I remember some phrases from time past where I heard it:

“Let me help you.”
“Let me call you sweetheart, I'm in love with you.” (Blast from the distant past)
“Mom, let me go to Susie's house.”
“Let me talk to you for a minute.”
“Let me tell you something...”

Because of my study for our recent ladies Bible study on the book of Colossians, while paying close attention to Chapter 3, I found the word “let” used several times. I recalled other places in Scripture where that little word is found. It is scattered throughout our Bibles. I have found through computer information that in the KJV, the word “let” can be found 1,289 times. That's a lot of “lets.”

As I am one for looking up definitions, I found a consistency in meanings of the word while checking various dictionaries and concordances. I found the word “let” to mean what we might think it would mean: allow, give permission, enable to do something. Also indicated was that although it is a word that implies a voluntary action, it can also imply a request or command.

When we find the word, “let” in Scripture, we have to take care as to if that word means we can do whatever we want or what Jesus wants. That small, three-letter word “let” should signal for us a call to obedience. I'm sure the Lord would love for us to voluntarily obey all of Scripture with no questions or debate. So, LET us view a few Scriptures using our special word of the day. All of the verses are a means of encouragement to grow in the Lord. As you read the verses, remember the meaning of the LET-word

LET the words of my mouth, and the
meditation of my heart, be acceptable
in thy sight, O Lord, my strength and
my redeemer.
Psalm 19:14

O magnify the Lord with me, and LET us
exalt his name together.
Psalm 34:3

LET your light so shine before men, that
they may see your good works, and
glorify your Father which is in Heaven.
Matthew 5:16

LET this mind be in you, which was also
in Christ Jesus:....
Philippians 2:5

Nevertheless the foundation of God
standeth sure, having this seal. The
Lord knoweth them that are his. And,
LET every one that nameth the name
of Christ depart from iniquity.
II Timothy 2:19

And the Spirit and the bride say, Come.
And LET him that heareth say, Come.
And LET him that is athirst come.
And whosoever will, LET him take
the water of life freely.
Revelation 22:17

Scattered almost from the beginning of the Bible through the end, there are let-phrases that are too many to number. No matter how Scripture comes into our lives...preaching, teaching, private study/reading, this last admonition is worthy of our consideration:

He that hath an ear, LET him hear....

The word “hear” doesn't just refer to the physical process of taking in sound through the ears. This word has to do with taking in and applying information. As we read God's Word, may we be true hearers LETTING God change us for His honor and glory.

So what do I do in my own life with that little word “let?”
Will I LET Jesus have complete control of my life?
Will I LET the Word of God sink deep into my spirit?
Will I LET God use me in the lives of others?

May I LET it be so in my life and yours as well.

Dear Father, thank You for Your precious Word. Forgive me when I read it so casually that I miss allowing it to really penetrate my spirit. Help me to never approach Your word in a blaise way, but to take every word seriously, as a royal command from You. In Jesus name...Amen