Wednesday, February 23, 2022
Lord, why do I continually beat myself up for failing to keep Your commands, when I know fully well it’s impossible for me to do? Shortly after opening my eyes every morning, I’ve already violated at least one of Your commands, usually the one about honoring You by putting You first in all things. “I’ll spend some time with You, Lord, but first I gotta check my messages.” “Where did the time go? Kids, are you ready?” “Gotta leave early and drop my laundry off at the cleaners.” And on it goes. But, it gets worse. Inconsiderate drivers make me wanna break that “thou shall not murder” thing. Why do I think a little white lie won’t matter? Advertisements stir up my lust for worldly pleasures. One broken commandment after another. We’re not evil, bad people, just busy and pressured. Was the psalmist frustrated, like me? Was he ready to throw his hands up and quit when he wrote “You have charged us to keep Your commands carefully. Oh, that my actions would reflect Your decrees” (Psalm 119:4-5). Even 2500 plus years ago when life was slower and more simple, no one could keep Your commandments. We’re thankful You are the God of grace and mercy, slow to anger, quick to forgive. You’re holy. We’re not. We’re flawed humans, incapable of the perfection You demand. I echo the psalmist prayer: Lord, help me order my actions to be consistent with Your decrees. But when I fail, I’m thankful Your mercy and grace are greater than my shortcomings.
Striving to live consistently by Your commands by Your grace, Lord, in an imperfect world. Amen.
THANKFUL 
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