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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 3:17-19 NLT

There’s something about this opening sentence that caught my attention this morning. Christ may come into our hearts by invitation, but He makes it His home as we trust Him. We can invite someone into our home, but they’ll never feel at home there until they get to know you. Once that happens, you see a shift in the way they behave. They feel comfortable pouring their own coffee, getting into the refrigerator for cream.

Do you get the picture? I’ve hosted people in our home for years and totally enjoy it. I’ve observed this on a first hand basis, so I know what I’m talking about. Funny thing is, often those who trust the most will enjoy and take advantage of the hospitality I offer. Those who aren’t trusting simply retreat back into their room, hanging out a ‘do not disturb’ sign on their door. It’s often a telltale sign of a past built on rejection, hurt and shame.

I can offer a listening ear and encouragement as part of the benefit package, but they must spend time with me to enjoy it. It’s the same with God. To gain all of the benefits that go along with His deep love, I must spend time with Him, building relationship and learning to surrender my time and attention to Him. It’s where I learn about the fullness of life and the power that comes from God.

Paul advised us to experience the love of Christ, though it’s too great to fully understand. That tells me that even if I can’t understand, I can still pursue it. I can still seek Him and am told I will find Him when I do. It’s the only thing that makes me complete.

Today, allow your roots to go deep into the ground of His love. It will change you from a visitor, to a resident.

Love,

Sandy G