“The only place my heart finds rest is in God, himself. Abba is the source and surely of trustworthy hope—my hope. He is my rock and my salvation, my welcoming, unshakable fortress. My salvation and honor depend on the Lord—not on anything I am or have, have done or will do. Friends, join me in trusting Abba at all times. Pour out your hearts to him; he is our mighty and merciful rock, our harbor, safe-place, and unassailable refuge” (pp Psalm 62:5–8)
Dear Heavenly Father, nothing compares to the peace we have in you and by you. Because of the Gospel, we no longer wrestle with “he loves me, he loves me not”—for we now live in your permanent favor and unwavering delight. You have set your affection on us; for you gave us to Jesus and gave him for us. Jesus is our Sabbath Rest, our Year of Jubilee, and our Eternal Life—along with so much more.
That’s why our honor and hope depend on you, Abba—not on what people think or say about us; not based on our productivity or usefulness—indeed, not based on any promise we show, but only on promises you made and keep in your Word. So, what do we need; what do we want? We want to live more out of the riches your grace, and less from the restlessness of our stress.
We want to be more accepting of the mysteries of our faith and the timing of your heart. We want your mercy to tame our traumas, your grace to melt and gentle us, and your Spirit to make us more like Jesus. We want all of these things, Father, and we want them for your glory and for the good of those around us. So Very Amen.