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. Now to Him Who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. Ephesians 3:14-21
During this time of transition for our family, I find it even more important and challenging to find my quiet place and to continue to be rooted in Him. The above verses are like a mantra for me. I encourage you to re-read them, and intentionally make yourself slow down and truly absorb every word. These verses always make me feel rooted in Him. Re-affirming Who He really is and confirming His deep affection for me. I cannot return to these thoughts enough.
I keep hearing over and over in my mind, “Being rooted and established in love”. These words define me. They define the foundation from which I stretch myself out into the world. But the only way for me to maintain this is from continually meeting Him in the quiet place.
The quiet place. I have mentioned it numerous times during this journey, but it is truly the place where we are formed and renewed and given hope and faith. It is the fountain where I fill my bucket of joy. It is the place where I matter to Him as He matters to me and I am fulfilled in the beautiful give and take of relationship. The quiet place is my favorite place.
But one day, God said He wouldn’t fill me more unless I began to release. At first, at that word, I felt disoriented and didn’t know how to pour out from that sacred place of intimacy. Then I was afraid that if I began to spend more time outstretched, I would lose some of what He and I shared. But He doesn’t work that way. It’s the upside-down kingdom principle. As I give I become fuller. As I stretch out, my roots grow deeper. As I release, I receive more at the same time.
I encourage you today to take some time in the quiet place and then ask the Father to direct your day in such a way that you have opportunities to give what you’ve gained with Him. We weren’t created to be an island. Drifting off alone in our own little world, unconcerned with others. No, we are meant to draw others to the heart of the Father Whom we have fallen so deeply in love with. He has more than enough love to share with all of us. Remember the cost of the cross, once again. Remember that He died for us all. We don’t hold the right to pick and choose who gets to hear the gospel. We are called to share with all. For the sake of all. To save the world. And it all begins with one.
Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:18-20
365 Days in the Presence 