It’s funny watching my bulky cat attempt to fit into a small box; when I watch her, the motto, “If it fits, it sits!” comes to mind.  Now, I know that isn’t exactly how the saying originated, but many cat owners recognize their precious pets’ propensity to give a different spin to the saying.  “Flufferbelle” steps in gingerly and, with her feet and legs inside, she settles her ample body down, with calico fluff bursting out all over the edges.

Lately, I’ve been feeling that way—in my mind I have created a box that my life fits into, but as I settle down, I have a sense that God is bursting me out of my perceived boundaries and limitations.  I think it’s been over ten years since I began writing Bible-based prayer journals, the fruit of my quiet times and study.  I am by no means finished with writing and praying through every book of the Bible, and I have considered rewriting the New Testament journal, but at some point this past December, I realized that God is doing something new, something different in my relationship with Him—specifically something deeper in my prayer life.  …that may not be all, but I know that is where it begins.

Sometimes, I think we need a reminder of who God is:

“…the King of ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever.  Amen.” (1 Timothy 1:17)

“The earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof, the world and those who dwell therein, for He has founded it upon the seas and established it upon the rivers…. Who is this King of glory?  The Lord, strong and mighty, the Lord, mighty in battle!” (Psalm 24:1-2, 8)

“Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world.  He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power.” (Hebrews 1:1-3)

Sometimes when I gaze up at the star-lit night sky, my spirit is briefly touched with the magnitude of our God, the God who spoke the universe into existence, who also touched lepers, who turned water into wine, and felt the faintest touch of one who, in the midst of a crowd clambering for His attention, reached out a trembling hand towards His robe.

But more often than not, my thoughts and my life revolve around dirty dishes, folding laundry, and yes, scooping the cat’s litter box.  My day starts with a treasured time in God’s Word and prayer, and then I get out of bed and life happens.  There is a constant battle for my attention and struggle to eat enough of what is good for me and not so much of what isn’t.

I forget that there is an all-powerful, all-knowing, invincible God living inside of me!

And that “in him [Christ] the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily, and [I] have been filled in him, who is the head of all rule and authority.”

He’s here! Inside of me, inside of us (those of us who have accepted Jesus and His sacrifice for our sins, anyway) by faith—the very same way we received Him!

“…I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may 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, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.” (Ephesians 3:14-19)

I want that kind of life, the “surpassing” type of life where the fullness of God resides— experiencing the Holy Spirit engaging my thoughts, transforming my attitudes, influencing my words, and the fruit of the Spirit demonstrated through my actions.  I recognize those dynamics begin with faith, believing that it is possible because the Holy Spirit lives inside of me.  I also know that Bible study strengthens faith, and when we are committed to our relationship with Jesus Christ and to reading and meditating on God’s Word, then mustard seed-growing, mountain-moving faith is possible!

I also acknowledge that we have an enemy bent on our destruction, who seeks to steal, kill, and destroy, who prowls around like a lion looking for his next meal, who does not want us to live in the privilege and power of heaven, and who makes cunning attempts to divert us from our first love.  We must equip and arm ourselves each day for battle, waging war by destroying his lies, tearing down strongholds, and taking our thoughts captive to Christ Jesus (2 Corinthians 10:4-5).

But God…

         …is in us and He is greater than all others. (1 John 4:4)

         …is rich in mercy and He loves us. (Ephesians 2:4)

         …is the King of glory, strong and mighty, and He’s mighty in battle! (Psalm 24:8)