“Does Job fear God for nothing?”
Satan replied. “Have you not put a hedge around him and his household and everything he has? You have blessed the work of his hands, so that his flocks and herds are spread throughout the land. But now stretch out your hand and strike everything he has, and he will surely curse you to your face.” Job 1:9–11 NIV
Heavenly Father, I sometimes wonder if Satan watches American religious television. Because much of it substantiates his charge that we primarily love you because you promise to make our lives easy, give us wealth, and keep us happy and healthy.
Though none of us would agree with this sentiment, Satan’s question remains current: Why do we love you? What’s our motivation for worshiping you? How will we think about you the next time we suffer loss, betrayal, and pain; or a loved one does? That, no doubt, will happen.
As your beloved children, we want to worship, adore, and trust you simply because you are God. There’s no other god besides you, and there’s certainly no other god like you. The gospel of your grace is all the proof we need. You gave Jesus to us and for us. In him we are forgiven and righteous, known and beloved. Nothing compares with gospel-riches.
We are grateful for your gifts, Father, but we want to glorify you when life’s easy and when it’s hard; when our health is great and when we struggle for our next breath; when our kids love you and when they ignore you; when money is plenteous and when it’s scarce.
We want to remain faithful to you with joy, whether we get a promotion or a pink slip; when marriage is great and when it’s a lonely place; when the harsh boss leaves and when the cancer returns. In every circumstance and story, we want to love, adore, and honor you. So very Amen we pray, in Jesus’ bold and beautiful name.
