Doxological Dementia

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 . . . (Ephesians 3:20)

Age-related memory loss is one of the tragic results of the fall. We get old, we develop an increasing tendency to forget things, and then we die. Yet “Doxological Dementia” is not an age-related disease that afflicts the minds of the elderly; it affects all of us, both young and old alike, when we forget not only who we are, but more importantly, Whose we are.

The doxology of Ephesians 3:20 (a doxology is an expression of praise to God) is designed to deliver us from a form of dementia that robs our joy, restricts our freedom, and retards our growth. The apostle Paul used a profound term — immeasurably more — to express God’s superabundant ability to bless us beyond our imagination. Here are a few other renderings of what Paul was expressing: God is able to do far more abundantly . . . exceedingly abundantly above all . . . infinitely more . . . than all we can ask or imagine. In other words, there is no limit to God’s ability to bless His people according to His supernatural power that is at work in every one of His children. The same power that raised Jesus from the grave is the same power that is at work within us every day, moment by moment.

Now, unlike God, we have finite minds; not only that, but our finite minds are fallen, broken, and sin-stained, so we are incapable of comprehending the cosmic care that God delivers to us, care that is far above anything we can ask, imagine, dream, or desire. God, in His infinite wisdom, authority, and power, is in sovereign control of all things, and He is working all things together for our ultimate good . . . even when it does not appear that way to us.

When you face circumstances that argue against your hope, hope anyway, because you have a God who is ready, willing, and able to bless you immeasurably more than what you could ever imagine.

We are apt to forget these things and allow a bit of “doxological dementia” to seep into our thinking, so it is critical that we come into the presence of Jesus each day through prayer and the study of His Word. When we remind ourselves daily that He who is in us is greater than any power that can come against us, we will begin to personally experience the peace that truly passes all understanding.  

This is the Gospel. This is grace for your race. NEVER FORGET THAT . . . AMEN!