The Fullness of God

“For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom his whole family in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.” Ephesians 3:14-19

I have been reading a book which talks about how to handle trouble. Now, when I dreamed of being pregnant before I was pregnant, trouble was not something that came to my mind; however, after experiencing a loss, pregnancy became a time that was stressful, full of anxiety – yes, it could be full of trouble when my eyes were on me instead of on the Lord. And long months of all day sickness (whoever termed it “morning sickness,” sure didn’t have it all day like I did) were a trouble that was difficult for me as well. I was so very thankful to be pregnant, but feeling troubled at times. Are you finding your mind wandering towards anxious, troubling thoughts? Are you tired and feeling troubled? Here is God’s Word for you today – from Ephesians 4. This is a letter from the apostle Paul. He knew all about trouble. He wrote this letter to the church at Ephesus while he was in prison.

Paul is asking God to strengthen the church at Ephesus spiritually – Paul says “out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you”. Let’s look at God’s strength. Psalm 66:6-7 says “who formed the mountains by your power, having armed yourself with strength, who stilled the roaring of the seas, the roaring of their waves.” This God who created mountains and stills the seas is the same God forming your baby. He is the same God who is using you and your body to form this precious life. Remember to look to Him at times of joy and at times of anxiety. Ask the Lord to strengthen you on the inside – spiritually. Spend time talking to God and in His Word – His strength is more than enough for your trouble today.

Paul was also praying that Christ would dwell in their hearts through faith. Let’s focus on the word “dwell” – do we dwell in a hotel? No, we dwell in our homes – we visit in a hotel. Paul is praying that Christ’s Holy Spirit would dwell – make a home – in their hearts. To be a lasting master of their hearts.

Paul prays that the Ephesians would be able to grasp the width, the length, the height, and the depth of the love of Christ. Here are some verses that talk about the love of Christ.

"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16

“The LORD appeared to us in the past, saying:
"I have loved you with an everlasting love;
I have drawn you with loving-kindness.” Jeremiah 31:3

“Who, [Jesus] being in very nature God,
did not consider equality with God something to be grasped,
but made himself nothing,
taking the very nature of a servant,
being made in human likeness.
And being found in appearance as a man,
he humbled himself
and became obedient to death—
even death on a cross!” Philippians 2:7-8

The Lord Jesus Christ left Heaven – to come to earth as a baby born in a poor family. He came for you – He came for me. He came because He loved us too much to remain in Heaven. He gave up His communion with God the Father while the Lord Jesus suffered on the cross for your sins – for my sins –for the sins of the world – for the sins of this baby you carry. I pray today that you are aware of how wide – how long – how high - how deep the love of the Lord is for you. He loves you more than words can convey – scripture says “it surpasses all knowledge.” It is too great for us to completely know the love of Christ. Isn’t that wondrous!

“And may you be filled with the measure of all the fullness of God.” (v. 19) Paul is praying that the Ephesians would be filled with ALL the measure of the fullness of God – all of it – not just some of it – ALL of it. Ladies, we have to yield ourselves so that we can be filled with ALL of the fullness of God. We have to spend time with the Lord – we need to praise Him. We need to repent our sins. We need to read His Word. We need to talk with Him and give up our wants and our desires and listen to His desires for our lives. It is when we can let go of us that we can be filled with Him. Look to Him today. Spend some time alone with the Lord.

Ladies, I am praying Paul’s prayer for you today.

Dear God,

I praise You that You are holy – that You are powerful – You are the Almighty God. God, You made the mountains. You have power over the seas. You have strength to fill up the weakness of my life. Please help me to yield my will – to yield my desires today so that I can be filled up with Your strength. Help me to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is Your love for me and for my baby. Thank you God for that love. Help me to grow in You and to be filled to the measure of all the fullness of You so that I can pass that on to this baby. When trouble enters my mind, remind me of your strength, your love, and your fullness today. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.