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Believing, Marinating, and Abiding in Jesus’ Love

     As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. John 15:9 (ESV)

Lord Jesus, how can it be? How can it possibly that you love us as much as the Father loves you? Everything in our culture, world, and experience tells us we get what we deserve and earn. But there’s no way we could ever earn such an everything-changing relationship with you. We believe; help our unbelief. We are proud; free us from our performance-ism.

As eagles soar the heights of the Montana skyline, and as trout explore the expanse the Smith River, and as whales dive the depths of the Pacific Ocean, so we will seek to make our home in your love, Jesus. Teach us how to slow down and linger there. This way of life is so contrary to the way we’ve been raised, educated—even discipled.

We live distraction-filled, stimulation-needing, production-affirming lives. Free us. Forgive us. Help us break this destructive cycle of “muchness” and “many-ness”—of living driven, rather than called, lives. We want heart-richness in today’s life, not simply more riches to spend in retirement. By your Spirit and the truth of the gospel, take us there… again and again.

And if (since) you love us this much, Jesus, it means we can (must) cease looking to people to fill the greatest relational longings in our hearts. People make lousy, ineffective saviors. We know this is true, but we keep forgetting. Continue to free us from looking to our friends, kids, and spouses to fill us up, make us proud, validate us, or define us. That’s your domain and delight, Jesus.

And now, as we lean into the demands, surprises, and pains of this day, knowing you love us, and are praying for the fullness of our joy, and are planning for the glory of your return, we will seek to live and love in ways that honor you. What a Savior you are, Jesus. So very Amen we pray, in your magnificent and merciful name.

 

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