“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. (Ephesians 3:16-17 NIV)
God strengthens you from His glorious riches.
Glorious riches aren’t big mansions, million-dollar paychecks, and fast cars. Glorious riches are good health for you and your loved ones, food in the pantry, and a roof over your head.
A few years ago, my husband and I stayed in a motel during remodeling. Under new ownership, the place stood dormant for years. The closed swimming pool popped out of the ground after years of neglect. Words to describe our room: peeling paint, rusted fixtures, sketchy bed, 1990’s T.V. But we had a place to sleep. God met our needs. His glorious riches are not always what we think.
Needs aren’t wants.
What we need in life are different from what we want. When I was a kid, I wanted a new family. Four brothers, one sister, I was next to the youngest. My brother’s treated me like a brother more than a sister. Sometimes, that’s good, others not so good. Back then, I would ask God for a new family. But now, I praise God every day for my family. They are the most upright, hard-working people I know. I’m thankful for each of my siblings more than words can express. They help me learn and grow through life. God knows what you need.
Since my journey began as an adult chasing Jesus’s heels, I’ve experienced hard times. My heart is grieving losses I never thought I’d have. God taught me the difference between need and want. God gives, and He takes away (Job 1:21 NIV). Death is inevitable; the mortality rate is 100%. The date and time is the unknown for all of us. Because God has given me and has taken away from me, I understand the meaning of need. In the depths of heartache, I needed Him to lift me. Each day when anxiety tries to steal my joy, I focus on His word to get me through. Only in His presence can I find His victory and peace.
We all need God’s presence to strengthen us. Life’s pressures heighten, our energy weakens. Each of us are battling. Just because you can’t see something, doesn’t mean it isn’t real. God is invisible in the spiritual sense, yet real. We can’t see the air we breathe, yet it exists. Bluetooth signals, invisible yet true. We believe in things we don’t see every day.
Even though you can’t see God’s presence, He’s strengthening you. He’s your biggest cheerleader, your most adoring fan. God is lifting you, encouraging you, rooting you on from the sidelines. All from the wealth of His glorious riches.
Question of the Day:
What glorious riches has God given you?
Further Reading: Isaiah 43:14-45:10 NIV, Ephesians 3:1-21 NIV, Psalm 68 NIV, Proverbs 24:1-2 NIV
