I just love this passage. First of all, the prayer is a prayer I have for each of you, and particularly for each of my children and grandchildren. In this fast-paced, crazy world, the importance of a relationship with God can often get overlooked. I’m as guilty as the next guy. There were times in my life when Sundays couldn’t come fast enough, and the time in between, well, was full of things that kept my eyes focused on other things. Now I see the importance of a relationship with God, and I certainly want spiritual wisdom to grow in my knowledge of God.
For years, I put off my quiet time instead of making it a priority. Now that I am making it a priority, my life feels so much more complete. I feel more confident, more focused, more peaceful. I started this routine before I was retired. I challenged myself to start journaling my reflections. I did that personally with God. He prompted me to share with others. He knew we could use this to reach busy folks. He longs for a relationship with you.
Paul also wants us to know God. He wants our hearts to be flooded with light and goodness. He wants us to understand the power we have at our disposal. The same power that raised Jesus from the dead. Take a moment to just think about that power and realize you have it available, inside you. Incredible, isn’t it?
God is pretty amazing, but we should not be surprised. He has set the perfect plan into motion, and we are part of that plan. Jesus is in charge of all things. God has given us the best role model possible. Why some people don’t follow really baffles me. I’m sure God is as perplexed. Yet he is God. He knows our hearts, our hard hearts. He also knows what will soften them.
God has left a place for himself inside each of us. He has given us clues on how to fill that empty space. Some haven’t heard the message yet. Others have heard and not understood. Yet others have heard and rejected while they go it alone. To me that is tragic. I feel so helpless when I encounter those people. What do I say? How can I help? I’m a ‘fixer’ and I’m powerless to fix others. So, I pray.
Today’s reading gives us a beautiful picture of the church. Christ is the head, and we make up the rest of the body. We all need Christ to make us complete. It is his presence in our lives that makes us complete and ready to serve. When believers come together, the body of Christ is complete. He needs us, too. If you are not part of a church, the body of Christ, you are missing out on an opportunity to fill that empty space that only God can fill.
Let’s pray. Lord, I come to you with specific people in mind who really need to hear this word today. Please use this devotional to touch them and others so they can see how important it is to have you in their lives. Thank you for blessing me with the knowledge of you. Continue to fill me with your wisdom as I share this with others and grow closer to you. I love the peace you freely give. May my life reflect your goodness in all I say and do. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
