“that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height – to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.” Ephesians 3:17-19 NKJV

Clouds settling into the valleys in front of the Sauratown Mountain range.

Paul is offering a petition (or a prayer) for the church at Ephesus and for all of us who read it today! That each one of us may have Jesus dwelling in our hearts, that we be rooted and grounded in love, that we can know the width, length, depth and height of the love of Jesus which goes beyond our understanding, and that we may be filled with the fullness of God. That all of the grace and peace and love and joy of God may be ours!

Jesus desires to be close to each one of us; He desires to dwell in our hearts and strengthen and love us. We have only to say His name and invite Him into our hearts, our lives, our days, our moments and our minds. He will not enter unbidden. The choice is always ours.

Do we tend to ignore Him when things are flowing smoothly, and our lives seem to be clicking along like we want? I sometimes do. But this is when we should burst forth with praises and thanksgiving for all that He is doing in our lives. Continually acknowledging Him and thanking Him for the blessings that flow freely from Him.

Do we close Him out when we are feeling hurt or down or broken or depressed? I sometimes do. But this is when we need His love, strength and grace the most. When we are in the deep valleys of life and the dark clouds settle in over us, we need to cry out to Jesus, and He will give us the strength and stamina to climb out of the valleys and back into His healing light.

Jesus Everyday

In my dreary, rainy, lonely days – Jesus is present with me.

In my sunny, happy, fun occasions – Jesus accompanies me.

In my challenging, difficult quests – Jesus strengthens me.

In my stressful, anxious stretches – Jesus upholds me.

In my fear-filled, long dark nights – Jesus’ peace surrounds me.

In my empty, heartbroken seasons – Jesus loves me.

In my joyous, praise-filled moments – Jesus rejoices with me.

This week, this day, this moment, let’s invite our Savior, Jesus, into our lives to strengthen, to love, to offer peace, and to share every season.

I thank God for each of you! And I thank you for joining me this week as we invite Jesus into every aspect of our lives.