My favorite verse this week is: Ephesians 3: 16! It reads: I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being.
I have read this verse multiple times a day! I am so thankful for having found it. I like this verse because I think of it as a spiritual (and literal) anti-depressant. In spending time submerged in scripture and prayer it is likely harder to find time to be depressed. Personally as I have focused on this verse this week I have had a more positive and loving outlook on things. I have been compassionate and forgiving towards others even in the midst of a tough week for my administration and leaders.
Throughout the chapters of Ephesians Paul has reminded us that we are forgiven of our shortcomings and sins through Jesus and we are saved through grace and faith, not through our own work. This reminds us that we are undeserving and should remain humble at all times.
In the commentary by N. T. Wright, the author writes that “As we draw to the end of a time of prayer, the overarching aim should be to give God the glory. But if it’s the true God we’ve been worshipping, we should be filled with a sense of new possibilities: of new tasks and new energy to accomplish them.
I have certainly been filled with new possibilities and new energy this week. It is nothing short of amazing. I have to admit I was feeling pretty low emotionally before I began reading Ephesians but since beginning the reading I have been filled with new energy and new possibilities. Praise God! This week especially I have had a heightened sense of energy but I have not been restless, rather I have had a consuming peace and joy.
As I turn to Verses 20-21, N. T. Wright proposes that we should “Then think of what God might do in you and through you—you as a community, you as an individual. Now reflect on the fact that God is perfectly capable of doubling that, trebling that, going so far beyond it that you would look back at the present moment and wonder how you could be so short-sighted.” Yet Wright reminds us that Paul waited three chapter to mention this capability, modeling first a state of constant prayer and thanksgiving.
I also am reminded that with great freedom in Christ comes great responsibility and am observant that not only does Paul spend three chapters before he shares that God will bless us beyond our imagination, he begins the next chapter with a statement that we should led a life “worthy of our call.” I read this verse in 3 different versions of the Bible and all 3 say to “live a life worthy of the call” to which you have been called. I’m excited to think about this new passage in the new week yet I know I will be returning multiple times to Ephesians 3: 16!
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