More than we can ask or imagine…
I was asked a couple of times last week where the name ‘imagine’ originally came from. In part, it is a reflection of Paul writing to the Ephesian church:
For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom every 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. 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.
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.
It is a great idea to remember, at the start of a new year at uni, that our God is far greater than we often think, and certainly far greater than our contemporary culture. He is not limited by what we believe, or don’t believe. He is not constrained by what we feel is possible, or impossible. He is not held back by our human fear or insecurity.
God is the creator of the universe. The sustainer of all of life. He is the author and perfector of our faith. He is the source of our sure and certain hope of the Kingdom of God to come. He is faithful always, regardless of how faithful – or faith-less – we are. He is more passionate about us knowing him than we are. He is more committed to his Kingdom coming on earth than we are. He is more devoted to loving us, teaching us, challenging us, forgiving us and healing us – than we could ever imagine.
So at the start of this new year, let us echo Paul’s prayer for the Ephesians as we pray for one another and for the year ahead. Why not take a few moments now and pray and worship this amazing, awesome, greater than we could ever imagine God…
Father, may you truly strengthen us with the power of your Spirit, may you truly dwell in our hearts, in our minds, in our thoughts and feelings, in all of us. Jesus give us faith, creativity, hope and courage based on your glory, might and power.
Jesus, help us to be so strongly rooted in your love this year. May we grasp in such a vivid, clear and compelling way, just how wide, how long, how high and how deep your love for us is. Fill us, comfort us, embolden us and empower us for this new year.
Amen
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