“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” (2Cor.5:17). “You have died and your life is now hidden with Christ in God” (Col.3:3).
Most sovereign and loving Heavenly Father, whether we are in Daniel’s lion’s den (Dan.6) or Jonah’s seaweed (Jon.2:5). Fearful like Gideon (Jud.6) or resentful like Asaph (Ps.73). Burned-out like Elijah (1Kgs19) or angry like Martha (Lk.10:40). Sad like David (Ps. 6) or perplexed like Habakkuk (Hab.1:1-11). Ashamed like Peter (Jn.18:25-27) or weary like Paul (2Cor.1:8-9). Doubting like John (Matt.11:3) or distressed like Hannah (1Sam.1)…
As those who belong to you, we are more “in Christ” than in big messes, dire straits, or hard stories. We are clothed in Jesus’ righteousness, rooted in your love, and standing in grace—and you always welcome us. Thank you, Abba.
Today, tomorrow, and forever—we are objects of your affection, the focus of Jesus’ prayers, and kept by the Spirit’s power. Nothing can separate us from your love, snatch us from Jesus’ hand, or keep us from heaven. Thank you, Abba.
With a roof over our head, a place in your Story, and death as “gain”—we really don’t have to stay stuck in worry-and-whine mode, or blame-and-shame for several hours a day. Let it be so, Abba.
Thank you for friends who linger long, lament deep, love well, and laugh loudly. Our future 1000% rocks—with no tears left unwiped and no relationships left unhealed. Nothing—absolutely nothing will be less than perfect and beautiful. We will see Jesus as he is and we will be made like him (1 Jn.3:1-3). Thank you, Abba. So Very Amen.
