Do What You Can Do

Scripture:  Ephesians 3:16 (CSB) - I pray that He may grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with power in your inner being through His Spirit, …

The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Ephesians, were reminding them that in order to make a change, they must plug into the internal strength that only the Spirit can provide. Any external forces will do.  If you want spiritual power, Jesus must be free to be fully dwelling in our heart. Apostle Paul wants the Ephesians to realize all that God has for them; but Christ must be Lord of their  heart.  Paul is teaching them perhaps things they are not ready to digest; that is the length and width, height and depth of God’s love (Eph. 3:18-19).

During these times of economic plundering, loss of employment, Covid-19, quarantine worldwide, grade schools and colleges closure, church (edifice) doors shut tight, humans’ blood spilled in the  streets daily, evil and corrupt governmental officials found guilty as charged etc., may be hijacking peoples’ joy and happiness.  Even under all of those circumstances, many Bible-believing Christians desire more than joy and happiness. They are falling to their knees and praying for a stronger prayer life, a closer relationship with God, a well-defined purpose in life, wisdom,  a high degree of integrity, a deep commitment to witnessing to the lost, and a faith driven walk. None of those desires are out of our grasping power, but things that we can do something about, without the help of others.  Our government or social programs cannot help here. All of those desires are within our grasp and considered attainable  if we but allow God’s Word to rule in our heart and as we receive the Spirit’s strength to build up  “the inner man”  (Eph. 3:16), resulting in true joy.

This world and all of its’ woes is complicated. Yet, individuals continue to put their desires in the hands of others -- then expect them to fulfill our desires. Outside sources cannot yield true joy. True joy comes from Jesus who dwells in the heart of believers through faith (Eph. 3:17).           * Greek word for dwell means to make yourself at home. (T. Evans -CCB Study Bible 2019)
Prayer: Lord,  You continue to put before me  Your Word to lean on when things of this world tries to poke holes in my heart. When I am down low to the ground on my knees it is Jesus I look to. My strength comes from the Lord who made Heaven and earth. Joy does come in the morning. True Joy comes from You and You alone.  In His Name. Amen

(By Novella D Carpenter)