On the Edge of Glory

"I'm on the edge of glory," you know that song by Lady Gaga? I'm not a big fan, but that hook keeps repeating and repeating and repeating in my mind. 

As I've been soaking in Ephesians and Philippians God is impressing on me "His glory." How everything God does is for the advancement and growth of the knowledge of His glory. And this is not a self serving advancement, but a self sacrificing advancement as Father's aim is for us to bask in, and share in His glory.

So as I run events in my life through this filter, I can see (hindsight), how when God's plans disrupt lives and leave unfulfilled dreams, there is a greater plan coming together for my benefit (Rom 8:28) and God's pleasure.

I just wish this macro knowledge would change my micro experience. I wish I could be like Paul, "sorrowful, yet always rejoicing" (2 Cor 6:10). I get stuck in the sorrow part. Nevertheless, I feel like "I'm on the edge of glory;" God's glory - like I'm on the edge of finally getting 'it' and once I do, everything will be better.  Truly, I think what I'm feeling is how close heaven is, not as in, I'm going to die soon, but rather that the veil between heaven and earth is not as thick nor as far away as I have believed.

One goal of God

This morning I studied Eph 1:7-14. Here's what popped.
The word according was repeated 4 times: v7 according to the riches of His grace; v9 according to His good pleasure; v11a according to the purpose of Him who works all things; v11b according to the counsel of His will.

God's grace (unearned love) is rich and causes Him to do things.
God's pleasure is good and influences what He does.
God has a purpose and He works all things according to what His will advises.

Phrases dealing with God's Will/Purpose
v9 God made His will known to us
v9b-10 God wanted (and accomplished) to gather all things heavenly and earthly together at an appointed time. He did that through Christ's life, death and resurrection.
v11b God controls (wills) all things to fit into His plan (will).

Phrases about God's Glory and Praise
v6, 12, 14 God's will, the things He plans, are and will be to praise His glory. Why does God so desperately want praise for His glory? God knows that the only thing that will ever satisfy, fulfill and complete us is Himself - His glory. Therefore, He longs for His glory to be shown (magnified) so we can see it, recognize it, and share in it. He does all things for that one goal.

 God has ordered His plans around making sure that the one thing that will satisfy you and me is obtainable to us - Himself. 

My heart sings, "Amazing Love, how can it be....."