Thank You, Father, for the truth that you brought my way through John Piper's Desiring God website just two nights ago. Finding my heart searching on New Year's Eve for joy and refreshing truth from You; You brought an article to my attention that reminded me once again of Your work alone being worth all praise and trust. These are thoughts from my heart, but some of the general ideas are from Piper's podcast and Paul Tripp's article.
2013 was a year of sanctification because You have promised to sanctify me and make me like Jesus until I stand before You and am made fully holy. So tonight I reflect on Your work in my heart and life. You did not let anything go by where You weren't turning it into good and for the sake of Your glory and honor. I know for a fact that I missed the mark 365 days last year, but by faith I trust that You work it ALL for sake of Your name and fame. No, I don't run head long into sin, but I do mess up royally on a daily basis. To know and be continually reminded of Your promise of working out ALL things for good is the way I keep taking steps toward You in this wretched body that has been completely transformed by the righteousness of Christ on the cross. I am more sanctified today than January 2013 because of Your promise, faithfulness, and goodness!! Thank You, Father, for Your gracious hand on my life.
2014 is upon me and I resolve to pursue You more; with greater passion and greater urgency. But I can only hope to do this with Your help and because I am clothed in Christ's righteousness. May I never seek this "goal" on my own strength as to gain anything for the sake of my name. I know I will attempt many times to achieve this end on my own and pretend that it is my accomplishments. May I not be so shortsighted and arrogant. I will fail miserably, but You will succeed and already have succeeded on my behalf. Praise You, Jesus!! This brings up my weak faith in this weak body...I confess that I am uncomfortable admitting my limitations and don't like coming face to face with my weaknesses. Father, may You help me live in my weaknesses and failures, not as excuses to sin or be lazy in my pursuit of You, but to point to You and reflect Your character; the perfect, good, and majestic God that You are!! I want to be okay with my weaknesses, because it is there that Your strength is made perfect. I can see the connection of this heart posture to spill over in my "OKness" with others' weaknesses. I do see You helping me extend grace to others (much quicker than I do to myself), but I wonder if this is an outward grace. Inwardly, do I harbor a resentment for those who fail or an impatience for those that continually need help? Father, may my life have a flavor of grace, patience, and care for those You've put in my life. This is a result of my mind and heart being full of You and remembering what has been extended to me. I want to live in Your presence and run with a passion toward Your face. May I rest at the feet of Jesus! Help me quickly recognize when I'm choosing other things over You and woo me back to Your arms.
Psalm 105:3-4
Glory in His holy name;
let the hearts of those who seek the LORD rejoice!
Seek the LORD and His strength;
seek His presence continually!
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