Living with confidence the life in Christ
Ever since I first heard of your strong faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for God’s people everywhere, I pray for you constantly, asking God, the glorious Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, to give you spiritual wisdom and insight so that you might grow in your knowledge of God. I pray that your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can understand the confident hope he has given to those he called—his holy people who are his rich and glorious inheritance. I also pray that you will understand the incredible greatness of God’s power for us who believe him. Ephesians 1:15-19
From the text, the apostle Paul can’t help himself to celebrate the salvation provided by the Lord Jesus Christ. In his gratefulness, he also prayed for the believers in Ephesus that they will remain strong in their faith and that they will continue to understand the greatness of God. He is praying for them that the eyes of their heart will be flooded with the light of understanding so that they will have a greater appreciation of the life they have in Christ. This confidence comes from understanding the character of God as revealed in His Word. What Paul was praying for was very important. This is because there are times in the life of a believer that understanding of God’s Word does not translate to right living. The Psalmist had the same prayer. “Open my eyes to see the wonderful truths in your instructions” (Psalms 119:18). There are times that we will find ourselves reading God’s word and yet not gain an understanding that affects our daily living. This happens when we allow our old sinful life to obstruct our understanding of God’s word. Reading and meditating on God’s word should not be looked upon as just fulfilling a duty or a habit. It is not an obligation that just needed to be fulfilled. It should be done as for the purpose of gaining new perspective that will provide wisdom in living the life God gave us. God wants us to experience the joy of knowing Him through His word so we will no longer be dominated by our old sinful living. The Psalmist discovered that meditating upon God’s word will help him stay in the path God set for his life. “Your commandments give me understanding; no wonder I hate every false way of life. Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path” (Psalms 119:104-105). So when you are reading and you feel that you are not getting anything, don’t give up. Ask and claim His promise that even the simple and ordinary can gain understanding of His word. “The teaching of your word gives light, so even the simple can understand” (Psalms 119:130). So don’t get discouraged, keep on asking that He will open the eyes of your heart. Once you know and are sure about your salvation, be ready to charge ahead living the life He gave you.
Blessings,
Noel De Guzman
www.my-wbc.com
