There is nothing more secure than Christ living in our hearts. The Victor is within us! “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.” Ephesians 3:1417a, NIV, emphasis mine.
Can you fathom how incredibly significant it is that he lives in your heart? Like Paul, I am put on my knees just writing these words. Why would anyone reject His presence? Just think of the exchange that takes place when you ask him to live in you. Where bitterness hurt and anger once dwelt supreme; now the grace, peace and love of Jesus lives. When you looked into your heart before Jesus was invited in all you could see were your fears, insecurities, failures and hurt. Darkness and confusion reigned and thrived. But now you see the wonderful effect of his presence. His presence is the main source of strength for the tests and needs of each day.
The major effect of his presence in us is his love for us and through us. “Christ will live in you as you open the door and invite him in. (Have you opened the door today and invited him in?) And I ask him that with both feet planted firmly on love, you’ll be able to take in with all Christians the extravagant dimensions of Christ’s love. Reach out and experience the breadth! Test its length! Plumb the depths! Rise to the heights! Live full lives, full in the fullness of God.” Ephesians 3:17b-19, The Message, parenthesis mine.
Wow, how expansive is the love of Christ within us! There is nothing that can trump his love! “God can do anything, you know-far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams! He does it not by pushing us around but by working within us, his Spirit deeply and gently within us.” Ephesians 3: 20-21, The Message. The loving presence of Christ takes us to places we could never even imagine or hope to go. And the strength of His presence secures us where we are.
His loving presence in our hearts makes broken relationships whole. Shattered dreams are replaced by a destiny of purpose and eternal significance. There will never again be a moment of hopelessness in his presence. He doesn’t arbitrarily come and go at the whims of how he feels or how we behave. He will never leave or forsake us.
“I’m never out of your sight…I look behind me and you’re there, then up ahead and you’re there too-your reassuring presence, coming and going.
This is too much, too Wonderful-I can’t take it all in! Is there any place I can go to avoid your Spirit, to be out of your sight? If I climb to the sky, you’re there! If I go underground, you’re there! If I fly on morning’s wings to the far western horizon, you’d find me in a minute-you’re already there waiting! Then I said to myself, ‘Oh, he even sees me in the dark! At night I’m immersed in the light!’ It’s a fact: darkness isn’t dark to you; night and day, darkness and light, they’re all the same to you.” Psalm 139:3-12, The Message.
His presence surrounds me with security. Because of his presence, nothing in my life is there without purpose. Paul said, “Your old life is dead. Your new life, which is your real life-is now hidden with Christ in God.” I was exposed and vulnerable before He came to dwell in me, but now I’m secure and covered by his presence. His nurturing presence is the safest place we could possibly live. May you be overwhelmed by his presence today! Ron Ross
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