THANKFUL

Chatting with Jesus

Monday, January 27, 2025

Lord, every morning, I’m such a mess after I stumble out of bed. Facial hairs crammed up my nose, bags under my eyes big enough to protect a home from flood waters, and breath potent enough to stop a freight train. Atilla the Hun would consider me a role model.

While reading Psalms, your Spirit revealed that the psalmist, Atilla the Hun, and I have something in common. Perhaps your Spirit revealed this same truth to the psalmist when he wrote:

“How can I know all the sins lurking in my heart?” (Psalm 19:12a).

The psalmist and I have the potential to sin as grievously against you and humanity as Atilla the Hun. Lord, only by your grace have we not sinned to that degree. But we all have temptations to sin lurking within our hearts, looking for the opportunity to manifest itself. Unless we’re aware of Satan’s deceptions that sound “Oh, so truthful,” we fall easily to temptations. I know—I have.

Lord, you fervently emphasized being mindful of Satan’s deceptions. When the Apostle Peter thought himself above temptation, you had to bring him back to reality, telling him, “Peter, Satan has asked permission to sift you like wheat, but I’ve prayed for you that your faith will not fail,” (Luke 22:31). Peter’s failure of faith and his reconciliation teaches us that you, our gracious God, are quick to forgive and reconcile us back to yourself. Like you prayed for Peter’s faith not to fail, you do so for us today, (Hebrews 7:25).

Lord, centuries before you came to us, the psalmist acknowledged your mercy and grace. He finished his statement with this plea:

“Cleanse me from these hidden faults” (Psalm 19:12b).

Jesus, do the same for me. Amen.