“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. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.” Ephesians 3:16-19 (emphasis added)
A few months ago, I studied Lysa TerKeurst’s book Uninvited and was meditating on the concept she presented about being filled with the fullness of God as spoken about in Ephesians 3:19. In the book she challenged us to explore those situations in life where we feel rejected, left out, or empty and instead bring the fullness of God into them. I loved this idea.
As great as this sounded, I kept asking myself the “how” questions. How can I learn this? How can I move beyond my feelings and embrace the fullness of God? In what ways does the fullness of an infinite God dwell in me?
A Closer Look
Those questions sent me back to God’s Word for answers:
“…for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through Him who gives me strength.” Philippians 4:11b-13 NIV (emphasis added)
The NASB translation of v.12b was interesting to me:
“…I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need.” (emphasis added)
The single Greek word (plērōma) is translated “well fed” in NIV and “being filled” in NASB but communicates the same message in context. In Philippians 4, Paul shares the secret of being full or satisfied in every situation: “to be strong in the One strengthening me” (from the Greek). He prays for others to experience the same contentment through the same filling—which, by the way, uses that same Greek word as Ephesians 3:19.
Sufficiency and Contentment
So here’s Paul’s secret: Pray that through the strength of God, we can embrace the love of God to be filled with God’s love, mercy, grace, truth, justice, and righteousness. All else is secondary: people, things, activities, or places. Not being seen, accepted, liked, or loved by others.
Because Paul was filled up with God, he was made sufficient—good enough—through God’s power. I want this and need this.
I don’t know what immense struggles are in your life. For me, it’s widowhood, solo parenting, and raising kids with special needs. At times, the journey is lonely and hard. How do I find contentment in this?
The wonderful news is I don’t have to go looking for it. I already have it.
In the words of the song by 4Him and Jon Anderson:
“The only thing I need I already have, The fullness of Your mercy in my hand, The only One who loves me as I am, The only thing I need I already have.”
I already have God’s love and mercy. I only have to allow it to fill me completely. When it does, I can give it to others.
As a result, I can be content in my widowhood. I can be a fragrant offering (Eph. 5:2) to all those around me.
Holding to His Truth
I started this list of reasons why I can be content. I’m not finished with it yet. Feel free to add to it and tailor it to your life’s circumstances.
I can be content in widowhood because:
- “The LORD is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer–He is my shield, the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.” Ps. 18: 2-3
- “My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” Ps. 73:26
- You are El Roi–the God who sees me. Gen. 16:13
- You are a shield around me…[You] lift up my head. Ps. 3:3
- You are a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. Ps. 9:9
- Your love is unfailing and You are my salvation. Ps. 13:5
- You keep my lamp burning and turn darkness into light. Ps. 18:28
- You do not despise or disdain the suffering of Your afflicted ones…You do not hide Your face from us, but listen to our cry for help. Ps. 22:24
- When I seek the LORD, He answers me and delivers me from my fears. Ps. 34:4
- When I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, You are with me. Ps. 23:4
- You turn to me and are gracious to me when I am lonely and afflicted. Ps. 25:16
- You hear my cry for mercy when I call to You for help. Ps. 28:2
- When I call to You for help, You heal me. Ps. 30:2
- You will one day turn my wailing into dancing…You will remove my sackcloth and clothe me with joy so that my heart will sing to You and not be silent. In this, I will give You thanks forever. Ps. 30:11-12
- You will never leave me or forsake me. Heb. 13:5
- For the sake of Your name, You will lead and guide me since You are my rock and my fortress. Ps. 31:3
- You redeem me and I can commit my spirit into Your hands. Ps. 31:5
- You see the affliction and the anguish of my soul. Ps. 31:7
- You are merciful to me when I am in distress…when my eyes grow weak with sorrow and my body and soul with grief. Ps. 31:9
- You are my hiding place. You protect me and surround me with songs of deliverance. Ps. 32:7
