And they shall be my people, and I will be their God. I will give them singleness of heart and singleness of action, 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 not turn away from doing good to them. Jer. 32:38-40
Dear heavenly Father, reading these three verses is like getting tied up with a three-fold cord of mercy, grace and hope. This one passage is chocked full of your measureless goodness, anticipating and meeting our most critical needs. I praise you for your generosity, kindness, and faithfulness.
I very much want what you’ve promised—starting with singleness of heart, Father; for often, my heart feels pulled and divided. It gets parceled to stressors of life, busyness and much-ness, the lusts of the flesh and the false advertisements of lesser gods. But you alone are worthy of my heart’s affection and adoration.
And I want singleness of action—seeking first your kingdom of redemption, restoration, and righteousness—the kingdom of your beloved Son, Jesus. Too many of my thoughts, and too much of my energy, can be captured and squandered, on the little fiefdom of me.
And I want to fear you, Father, now that I’m no longer afraid of you. Through the work of Jesus, you have 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, lavished on us in the gospel. Give me astonishment and wonder worthy of your great love and endless compassion for us in Jesus.
Lastly, Father, convince me, over and over and over, of your commitment to never stop doing good to me, as one of your beloved children. Such a promise is knee-buckling and staggering—almost too much to wrap my mind and heart around. It’s only because of your everlasting covenant with us in Jesus, that I dare hope for such a perpetual standing in grace.
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, Father. Everything you do is for your glory and, therefore, for our good. I do believe this, but I long to believe it much more. So very Amen I pray, in Jesus’ grace-full and glorious name.