~ Read Job 27-28 Text, Audio
Lord God,
It’s
funny how your word works in me, how a passage can speak one thing to
me one day, and something different the next. Though your truth never
changes, it changes me, enabling me to see more clearly how it applies
to my life. As a result, one day, I complain like Job and proclaim my
innocence, but the very next, I beg your forgiveness for my sin and
selfishness. Thank you Lord, for the freedom to come directly to you and
speak what is on my heart and in my mind without the fear of
condemnation or rejection. You are truly, an awesome God, and your mercy
is far beyond my comprehension.
I
know I have no hope outside of you, Lord. I realize there is no
possibility of forgiveness apart from your grace. That’s why I bring my
failure and confessions to you, because I know I need you. Though my
heart is often tempted to cry “foul,” and declare my innocence before
you, I know full well, that I am a sinner in need of the healing, grace,
and forgiveness you provide through Jesus Christ; for it was my sin,
that nailed him on the cross. It was my selfishness that held him there.
Lord,
I pity those who do not recognize how broken they are, and thus, fail
to confess their failures to you, for outside of Christ, they can never
know the freedom from guilt you provide, nor the healing that comes
through forgiveness. They can never hear you say, well done good and
faithful servant, this day you will be with me in paradise. Though it
saddens my heart, it spurs my mind to action.
Help
me Lord, today, and every-day hereafter, to live in such a way; that
others are drawn to you. Make me eager to listen, first to forgive, able
to heal, and willing to demonstrate your grace, even in the most trying
of circumstances. Help me not to compare my troubles with others, as if
their suffering were some how less burdensome to them, but give me eyes
to look upon everyone with the same compassion that you look upon me.
Help me Lord, to glorify you in everything I think, say, and do.
Thank
you Lord, for not casting me off with the rebellious and wicked. Thank
you for saving me from my sin. Thank you for freeing me from my bondage
to by selfishness, greed, envy, and pride. Thank you for loving me
despite the way I am. Do not leave me this way, but continue to change
me now, and each following day, by the power of your Spirit, for the
sake of your Son, Jesus Christ, my Lord, and my Savior.
In his name I pray, Amen.
