And they shall be my people, and I will be their God. I will give them singleness of heart heart and action, that they may fear me forever, for their own good and the good of their children after them. I will make with them an everlasting covenant, and I will never stop doing good to them. Jer. 32:38-40
Dear heavenly Father, this Scripture exposes the lingering presence of my unbelief, and the irrepressible, tenacious, measureless wonder of your goodness. Fortunately, your goodness wins the collision with my unbelief.
I want everything you’ve promised in these remarkable words spoken through Jeremiah, starting with singleness of heart. For quite often, my heart gets distracted, disconnected, and divided. You alone are worthy of my heart’s affection, adoration, and allegiance. Corral and center my wandering heart, for your glory, by your grace.
I want singleness of action, Father, seeking first the kingdom of redemption, restoration, and righteousness—the kingdom of your beloved Son, Jesus. Too many of my thoughts and too much of my energy is spent on the little fiefdom of me; it is squandered, frittered, wasted. Give me passion for what really matters.
I want to fear you, Father, now that I no longer have to be afraid of you. Through the work of Jesus, you have eternally freed me from the fear of death and judgment. Now give me awe and reverence, consistent with the measure of your mercies and grace that are ours in the gospel. Give me astonishment and wonder worthy of your great love and endless compassion for us in Jesus.
Lastly, Father, convince me, over and over and over, of your commitment to never stop doing good to me. Such a promise is overwhelming, almost too much to wrap my heart around, and would be groundless apart from the “It is finished” of Jesus. Even when you discipline me, it’s like a kiss from heaven. Everything you do is for your glory, and therefore, it is good for me. I believe this, but I long to believe it more.
You’ve forgiven my unbelief, now free me even more from its insidious presence. So very Amen I pray, in Jesus’ glorious and grace-full name.