I will sing of the Lord’s great love forever;
with my mouth I will make your faithfulness known through all generations. I will declare that your love stands firm forever, that you have established your faithfulness in heaven itself. Psalm 89:1-2 (NIV)
Heavenly Father, beyond his name—Ethan the Ezrahite, I know zero about the author of this Psalm. But I sure love his heart, words, and worship. I join him in making music in my heart to you, on this November Friday.
I praise you for the steadfastness of your love, and the rock-steadiness of your faithfulness—both of which were in evidence as we gathered as a family yesterday for Thanksgiving. Sometimes (actually, always) your love and faithfulness exceed our prayers and hopes.
Because the gospel is true, your love isn’t attached to a scorecard or thermometer, or scale or gage, timetable or expiration date. Today, and every day, you relate to us according to Jesus’ resurrection and righteousness. Your smile doesn’t get bigger or smaller in response to what we do. Your delight in us is as constant as Jesus’ work for us is complete. Hallelujah!
Even when you discipline us, it’s never out of irritation or exasperation, but only with Fatherly wisdom and affection. Your kindness moves us to repentance like nothing else. Your love compels us to love, trust, and serve you.
And as Ethan affirms in his Psalm, you are faultlessly faithful and utterly trustworthy—with our families and fears, regrets and longings, hurts and hopes. Nothing, and no one, can resist your will, alter your plans, or derail your decrees—for us or anyone else.
Because you have placed us in Jesus’ strong hands and grip of grace, so are our moments and years, joys and sorrows, tears and laughter. This assurance gives a peace and joy that cannot be found anywhere else.
That you love us as much as you love Jesus, and that you are working in all things for our good, makes this a most extraordinary life, Father. So very Amen I pray, in Jesus’ trustworthy and worship-worthy name.
