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May we have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge (Ephesians 3:18-19, ESV).
I love Paul’s prayer in Ephesians 3:14-21. I memorized this prayer many years ago and meditate on it often before I get out of bed in the morning.
The prayer contains many encouraging phrases, including “strengthened with power,” “Christ dwelling in my heart through faith,” “know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge,” and “to Him who is able to do more than we ask or think.”
I want all of this in my life throughout the day, but the verse that’s key to understanding the entire prayer (in my opinion) is. . .
May [we] have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of God. . .
I’ve received a helpful revelation (or insight) from this passage that’s helped me through difficult times, when I realized that everything that happens to me can add to the breadth, length, height, and depth of my love for Jesus.
Let’s consider two Greek words in this passage.
The Greek word for “strength” means “completely or tightly,” and the Greek word for “comprehend” doesn’t indicate intellectual realization but “grabbing or clinging” to what’s needed in a situation — sort of like enlightenment.
Now an OGV (Old Guy Version) translation of Ephesians 3:18-19. . .
That I will hold tightly to Jesus in every circumstance, realizing that it will deepen my love for Him.
The phrase “breadth, length, height, and depth” figuratively illustrates the vast, immeasurable, and mysterious ways of God. We get additional glimmers of understanding this love every time we grab hold of Jesus in our trials.
These glimmers develop a breadth, length, height, and depth in our relationship with God in a love that surpasses understanding but repeatedly proves itself trustworthy.
An OG (Old Guy) illustration. . .
A mother is walking with her child when something potentially difficult happens, and the child grabs her mother tightly. This presence of motherly help proves and increases assurance to the child of the mother’s constant love.
Every trial that we encounter gives us the opportunity to grow in the breadth, length, height, and depth of God’s love. So, Paul concludes, “Rejoice in the Lord always” (Philippians 4:4), and James writes, “Consider it all joy when you encounter various trials” (James 1:2).
I pray often, “God, I’m thankful for this problem/difficulty/trial/illness/need for money — the list can be endless — because it can strengthen my love for You.”
It will increase your love for Jesus as well!