THANKFUL

Chatting with Jesus

Tuesday, January 10, 2023

Lord, in Your love for all people, You extend Your invitation for people everywhere to come to You, (Romans 1). Those who accept Your offer of redemption have a story of Your mercy and grace with a new life that is unique to them.

Some poor souls come to You from horrendous circumstances. Their life involved one nightmare followed by another. The came to You with nothing to offer but their brokenness. Society may have looked down on them as losers, but You saw them as a new, truly alive person, changed by Your powerful grace.

Other may have lived comfortably. Perhaps raised in a religious environment, society considered them true-blue individuals, but inwardly, their virtue-signaling pride turned their hearts toward arrogance and evil.

Still, some were good, decent folks, kind, and considerate members of society. But then realized they needed a relationship with You, Lord, and responded when You called.

Regardless of where we were, those who accept Your invitation of redemption and a new life have a story to share with others in their world, a story only You can tell.

The psalmist was no different. His life could have been a Netflix series. For a time, his life was one drama after another. Up one day, down the next. Deep in the valley of despair then exalted to the mountain heights of exuberance.

Lord, how many Christ followers identify with the psalmist’s story? I’m one.

“He lifted me out of the pit of despair, out of the mud and mire. He set my feet on solid ground and steadied me as I walk along. He has given me a song to sing, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see what He has done [for me] and be amazed. They will put their trust in the Lord” —Psalm 40:2,3 (NLT)

As most Christ followers can testify, only in You do we find lasting joy and meaning. May we sing our new song of Your grace loud and clear for all to hear and may our story influence those in our world to seek You.

Amen, Jesus.