“May the Lord direct your hearts to God’s love and Christ’s perseverance.” 2Thess.3:5
Lord Jesus, of the many “common grace,” creation-goodness realities I enjoy, having GPS on my iPhone is high on the list. I often say to friends, “I can get you to heaven, but not to the nearest Costco. I have the “Gospel-chip” but not the “direction chip.” So having you as our Good Shepherd means everything to me, for you always direct our hearts into our Father’s love and your perseverance. I need copious amounts of both.
For some days I wake up lost in the middle of a pity-party—when my disappointments loom larger than your delights. Other days the GPS of my heart seems pre-programmed for unbelief, fear, resentment, the approval of people, or the illusion of control—each of which is a dead end.
Lord Jesus, more than just “taking the wheel,” take my mind, will, emotions—my whole being. I’m grateful our final destination is life in the new heaven and new earth, and complete conformity to your likeness. Hallelujah! But in route there, keep me yielded, trusting, and expectant. Take me deeper into the lavish, everlasting, inexhaustible riches of God’s love. Nothing is more needful, glorious, and transforming.
But also take me into the assurance and peace of your perseverance, Jesus. For mine is flimsy, always close to empty, and never enough for the demands of life and love. I’ve never been more grateful to sing, “He Will Hold Me Fast,” knowing you are and will, all the Way Home. Sabotage my every attempt to go anywhere else than where your heart, Word, and Spirit direct. So Very Amen.