When I think of all this, I fall to my knees and pray to the Father, the Creator of everything in heaven and on earth. I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit. Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong. And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God.
ephesians 3:14-19 NLT
Today we are going to pray to experience His love. A synonym of ‘experience’ is ‘encounter’. I love that thought – to encounter the love of Christ in our lives. If my children can encounter His love and know His presence, they will be changed. If our families experience the love of Christ, they will become deeply rooted. If we as women encounter His love on a regular basis, the completeness, fullness, and wholeness Jesus died for will all become real. Relationships are birthed from experiences and encounters. And a relationship with Christ changes everything.
As we experience the love of Christ, we will be moved. We can encounter something without responding in some way. And as we are filled with His love, we will move in love. I realize this might sound idealistic as we abide in Him, He’ll move in such ways that allow us to just enjoy the ride!
The word ‘flourish’ has shown up over and over throughout the past few months. It aligns some beautifully to our imagery of being a thriving branch on the Vine or being deeply rooted in His love. We truly flourish as we experience His love.
How joyful are those who fear the Lord—
Psalm 128:1-6
all who follow his ways!
You will enjoy the fruit of your labor.
How joyful and prosperous you will be!
Your wife will be like a fruitful grapevine,
flourishing within your home.
Your children will be like vigorous young olive trees
as they sit around your table.
That is the Lord’s blessing
for those who fear him.
May the Lord continually bless you from Zion.
May you see Jerusalem prosper as long as you live.
May you live to enjoy your grandchildren.
May Israel have peace!
What if we viewed fitness through this message? What if exercise was a response to experiencing His love? What if working out was worship of His joy, blessing, health and prosperity? What if caring for our bodies was founded on His holy ground, growing deep roots?
Father, we come before you with a sincere desire to encounter you. May we experience Christ’s love, may our roots grow down deep in Your truth, may we flourish and thrive in Your fullness and freedom. And may we respond and move in Your love! Amen!
Holy Barre 