We obey God the best by beholding, believing, and basking in his love
“See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!” – 1 John 3:1
Heavenly Father, this is one of my favorite commands in the Bible to obey. Enable me to see and savor the great love that comes with being your child. Open my heart’s eyes to behold the height, depth, width, and breadth of your affection for me in Jesus. You haven’t dribbled, trickled, or sprinkled your love on us; you have “lavished” it. To be your child is like standing under the life-giving Niagara Falls of your grace. Make this the most compelling reality in my life. Thank you, now and forever.
Because of Jesus’ finished work, our Father rejoices over us, even sings to us
The LORD your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing. Zephaniah 3:17
Father, this portion of your Word requires your grace for me even to believe it. Because the Gospel is true, you rejoice with gladness over me. You aren’t irritated or disappointed with me. You are committed to quiet me with your love—not shame me with rebukes. You “exult” over me with loud singing. Turn up the volume. Drown out all other noise. What mere people can only give me a taste of, you’ve given me fully in Jesus. Only your love is better than life. Only your love is enough. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
