His (God’s) delight is not in the strength of the horse, nor his delight in the legs of a man, but the Lord takes pleasure in those who fear him, in those who hope in his steadfast love. Ps. 147:10-11
Compassionate Father, once again I come before you as a repeat offender—one of your children suffering from doxological dementia, a son who gives you non-stop opportunity to showcase the wonders of your “immense patience” (1 Tim. 1:16). It’s like I’m a perpetual candidate for summer school in the gospel. But how can I possibly get distracted away from the riches of grace… even for one nanosecond?
Why is it when I feel a little disconnected from you and appropriately disappointed with me; or when I experience the accusations of the enemy; or when I see other believers more zealous, missionaries more passionate, and young converts more committed than me—why am I even tempted to start performing again? Instead of running to you for grace, I lace up the running shoes of my insecurities and start running—I get busy to do something to feel better about me. O, how legalism and performance-based living die a very, very slow death.
But as this Scripture says, you don’t find any pleasure or delight in the strength and movement of our “legs”—or what we can do for you. You are honored, worshiped and adored as we put our full confidence in your steadfast love. So where can we find your unfailing, unwavering, unending love? But, of course, only in the gospel of your grace. You find great pleasure as we put our hope in what you’ve done for us in Jesus, period. This is so counterintuitive, so contrary to the way we’re wired, and, literally, so opposite to the way the “real” world works.
Holy Father, during this season of Lent, once again we affirm: To fear you is the beginning of wisdom, and we fear you the most when we hope most fully in your unfailing love for us in Jesus. Should we forget where we parked our cars, the address of our homes, or even our own names, may we never forget this glorious gospel. So very Amen we pray in Jesus’ most glorious and grace-full name.