THANKFUL

Chatting with Jesus

Monday, July 8, 2024

Lord, when we respond to your calling, along with receiving our new life, you mandate we change the way we live. Strong-willed followers tried to change their way of living on their own before coming to you. That’s not what you want. After years of trying, we’ve known we cannot change on our own. If we could, we would have. Changing behaviors might indicate we have self-discipline, but that doesn’t change our heart. You say, “Come as you are. I’ll change you.” Only you, Lord, can help us re-structure our lives to meet your standards. You come alongside your followers to guide them along their new path and to steer them in the right direction.

The psalmist wrote of his daily struggles in following you. When he became lazy in his relationship with you, problems piled up. He repeatedly failed you. Forgive me, Lord, I’ll do better next time. Like me, he must have prayed that promise hundreds, if not thousands, of times.

When I read of the struggle of the psalmist’s soul, it is like I wrote the same words.

“You have charged us [me] to keep your commandments carefully. Oh, that my actions would consistently reflect your decrees! Then I will not be ashamed when I compare my life with your commands. As I learn your righteous regulations, I will thank you by living as I should. I will obey your decrees. Please don’t give up on me!” (Psalm 119:4–8).

Yes, Lord, thankfully when we fall short, you pick us up, straighten our cap, brush off the dust, and say, “C’mon, let’s keep walking together.”

Amen, Jesus.