Abba, you have put more joy in my heart than cynics, critics, and unbelievers who mock you as they enjoy their life of abundance. I prefer my state of grace over their full granaries and wine cellars. I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you make me dwell in safety, O Lord. I am yours and that is enough. (pp Psalm 4:7-8)
Heavenly Father, grant us this same freedom and joy. A pantry full of “grain and wine” might be nice, but a heart full of your grace and peace is better by far. We thank you for the many creature-comforts you give us. But we adore you for the “state of grace” you have permanently given us in the Gospel.
Our culture, the devil, and our fickle hearts will deride us with questions like these: “Where is your God now? How can you say God is good? Where was your God when….? How could your God possibly…? Why doesn’t your God…?”
In our most Gospel-sane moments, may we reply: “When we lie down, it’s between the sheets of our Father’s sovereignty and everlasting love. Abba’s grace is our mattress, his kindness our pillow, and new mercies are our breakfast every day. Even when we don’t sleep well, we rest well knowing we belong to him.”
Life isn’t easy but there’s no better, safer place than to be in Christ. This doesn’t mean life is pain free, but it will never be hope empty. Not a hair can fall from our heads, not a breath can be taken from our lungs, and not a beat can be missed by our hearts apart from your will, Abba. There are no exceptions to your commitment to work in all things for our good. Every hot, salty, hurt-generated, mystery-laced tear we weep is destined to be wiped and its pain redeemed. Hallelujah, thank you, and So Very Amen.
