I am my beloved’s, and his desire is for me. Song of Sol. 7:10
Dear Lord Jesus, we believe you love us this much, because you say it’s true. But we don’t believe it to the degree you intend. By the power of the Gospel, free us from our unbelief, grace allergies, and general heart-sluggishness.
Like every week, this one is likely to be “adorned” with things that vex us, stretch us, allure us, and deplete us. So by your Spirit, cause these grand realities to “bowl us over,” and build us up.
We belong to you, Jesus—not by the merit of our efforts, or the measure of our sincerity; not by the tears of our repentance, or the pledge of our faithfulness. We belong to you, because you sought, caught, and bought us with the price of your own life. It’s a 100% grace arrangement, from beginning to forever. Hallelujah!
And now you desire us, Jesus—not because we show promise, but because you fulfilled every promise God made on our behalf. Even more amazing, you delight in us, not because we are choice, but because we are chosen; not because of anything in us, but because of everything in you.
May this all-consuming, heart-transforming, life-liberating good news free us this to live and to love to your glory, Jesus. So very Amen we pray, in your mercy-full and grace-full name.
