“They will be my people, and I will be their God. I will give them singleness of heart and action, so that they will always fear me for their own good and the good of their children after them. I will make an everlasting covenant with them: I will never stop doing good to them…” Jeremiah 32:38-40
Most gracious heavenly Father, here you go again, exposing the depth of my need and the bounty of your mercies. Don’t stop… please don’t stop, until the Day you complete the good work you’ve begun in me… in each of your children… even in the whole cosmos. No one needs the gospel more than me, and no one’s more generous than you.
I want everything you’ve promised in this catalogue of your covenant grace. I want a single heart… for much of the time my heart feels torn and divided… little bits parceled out to lesser gods and empty promises. I want a heart that’s more faith-full, and less fickle and fragile. I sue heaven for this promise Father. On the basis of the work of Jesus, I trust you for a single heart.
I want singleness of action—seeking first the kingdom of your beloved Son, Jesus—the ever-expanding dominion of redemption, restoration and righteousness. Too many of my thoughts… too much of my energy… and too much of my time is spent of the little fiefdom of me… squandered, frittered, wasted away. Harness my passion for your purposes.
I want to fear you, Father. Because the gospel is true, I no longer have to be afraid of you. Through the work of Jesus, you’ve eternally freed me from the fear of death and judgment. Now give me awe and reverence consistent with the measure of your mercies and grace that are mine in Christ. Give all of us astonishment and wonder worthy of your great love and endless compassions for us in Jesus.
Lastly, Father, I want… I need you to convince me… over and over and over… of your commitment to never stop doing good to me. Such a promise is simply overwhelming. It’s too much to wrap my heart around… until I fix my gaze on Jesus, once again. For the measure of your promises to us is determined by the sacrifice of your Son for us. He paid the ultimate price for this river of endless delights.
Father, you’ve forgiven my unbelief… now free me even more from its pillaging presence. Indeed, “you are good, all the time… all the time, you are good.” I DO believe this, I would believe it more. So very Amen, I pray, in Jesus’ most glorious and grace-full name.