Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken. My salvation and my honor depend on God; he is my mighty rock, my refuge. Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge. Psalm 62:5-8
Dear heavenly Father, it’s not about “mind over matter,” or the power of positive thinking, or the pragmatic good of cognitive therapy. It’s all about preaching the gospel to ourselves every opportunity we get, for only the gospel is the power of God for our salvation, from beginning to end. From the moment you justified us in Christ until the day you will glorify us by Christ, we need the grand supply and great truths of the gospel of your grace.
Indeed, our souls find rest in you alone, loving Father, for you have given us everything we need for life and godliness in Jesus, everything. Jesus is the end of our restlessness about a relationship with you; for he is our complete forgiveness and our eternal righteousness. Our salvation and honor depend on what Jesus has done for us, not on what we do for you. Continue to free us from the fear of not doing enough to please you and the arrogance of thinking we could ever do enough to earn your favor.
And continue to free us from giving the power of salvation to our circumstances. It’s great when people we love make wise choices and it hurts tremendously when they don’t. It’s wonderful when we enjoy good health and minimal suffering, and it’s often incredibly costly and disruptive when we don’t. It’s a really good thing when we have adequate finances to take care of life’s needs, and even a little extra with which to enjoy creature comforts. But Father, help us to really believe that all we need in life is Jesus plus what you choose to give us. That you love us and that you are in control of all things is enough to know theologically; make it enough for us to know experientially. You are our rock, our fortress and our refuge.
Because the gospel is true, we do trust you, Father. And because the gospel is good, we enjoy incredible freedom to pour out our hearts to you—when we are sad, mad, confused, afraid, or whatever; for our hope comes from you and you alone. There is no other refuge as welcoming, loving or sufficient as you, Father, none. May your Spirit whisper and shout this good news to our hearts all day long. We pray with joy and longing, in Jesus’ name.
