THANKFUL

Chatting with Jesus
Thursday, June 29, 2023

Lord, someone said when we read the Bible, the sacred Scriptures, the Bible is reading us. The psalmist recognized this phenomenon as he studied the Scriptures, and how your Word revealed his flawed state. His heart was in the right place. He was willing to be used in your kingdom, but your Word revealed his present state still had rough edges that needed divine sanding.

Many probably believed the psalmist had his act together, someone who made policy with God himself. He served as a religious leader, performing his duties in the sanctuary, but in his humanity, often he failed to live up to your values. As the psalmist grew deeper into your Word, he determined to turn his life around and order lifestyle to reflect living by your precepts. What he wrote probably describes all Christ followers’ struggle to live all-in for you.

“As I learn your righteous regulations, I will thank you by living as I should. I will obey your decress. Please don’t give up on me”—Psalm 119:7–8 (NLT)

Lord, like the psalmist, studying your Word reveals your power, purity, and holiness are beyond human description. All Heaven and Earth adore you, our great Sovereign God Almighty. Studying your Word also reveals how my life, in comparison with your righteous, exposes my sinful state and how I need more of your mercy and grace. I’m trying. Please don’t give up on me.

Lord, I’m diving in headfirst, fully committing myself to you, but you know how human I am. Not intentionally, but I’m gonna make mistakes. I praise you for being the never-giving-up-on-me God.

Amen, Jesus.