They shall be my people, and I will be their God. I will give them one heart and one way, that they may fear me forever, for their own good and the good of their children after them. I will make with them an everlasting covenant that I will never stop doing good to them. Jer. 32:38-40
Dear heavenly Father, what a banquet and feast, waterfall and oasis! This one portion of your Word invites us into the limitless storehouse of your mercies, the inexhaustible riches of your grace, and the indefatigable passion of your love. What an awesome God you are—so generous and patient, tenacious and tender, resolved and faithful.
Father, I want everything you’ve promised in this text, starting with singleness of heart. For much of the time my heart gets distracted, divided and divvied out to lesser gods—too easily charmed by things less worthy of my attention, affection and adoration. I want to love you with everything I have and am. Thank you for the promise of such a heart beating within my breast.
I want singleness of action—seeking first, and foremost, the kingdom of God—the reign of your beloved Son, Jesus, in all things and over all things. Too many of my thoughts, and too much of my energy, gets spent on the little fiefdom of me. I don’t want to squander the time, talents and treasure you’ve entrusted to me. Life is just too short to be frittered away.
I want to fear you, Father—now that I no longer have to be afraid of you. Through the work of Jesus, you have eternally freed me from the fear of death and judgment. Now give me an affectionate awe and a humble reverence for yourself—congruent with the great love you have lavished on us in Jesus. Intensify my gospel astonishment that I might worship and serve you acceptably.
Lastly, Father, I want, and need, you to convince me—over and over again, of your commitment to never stop doing good to us as your children. Such a promise is simply overwhelming—almost too much to wrap my heart—a great hope that would be utterly groundless, apart from what you’ve done for us in Jesus.
You’ve forgiven my unbelief; now free me even more from its pillaging presence. You are good, all the time, and all the time, you are good. Even when you discipline us, it is a kiss from heaven. Everything you do, Father, is for your glory, and therefore, for our good. I do believe this, but I long to believe it more. So very Amen I pray, in Jesus’ glorious and faithful name.
