“It is God who works in you, both to will and to accomplish his good pleasure” (Phil.2:13). “By the grace of God, I am what I am” (1Cor. 15:10). “The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me; your steadfast love, O Lord, endures forever” (Psm.138:8).
Heavenly Father, thank you for rescuing us from the silly (arrogant) illusion that we could work our way into your family and earn our way into your love… finally, eke across the finish line into heaven? What a low view of our need and pathetic understanding of your provision in the Gospel.
And where did we ever get the notion we control your emotional world and bodily expressions? Really? We can make you smile, frown, scowl, smirk, cross your arms, roll your eyes, and/or applaud? That sounds more like a coach looking for a performance, than a Father who has lavished his love on us (1Jn3:1-3).
It’s not that you’re indifferent or robotic. Just the opposite, for your love for us is steadfast and unwavering—even when Fatherly discipline comes into play. Our salvation is a work you began (Jonah 2:9), keep going (Phil.2:13), and will finish with a flourish (Phil.1:6). Hallelujah, and thank you!
Since “pleasing you” is best understood as “honoring you”—not making you happy, we want to spend the rest of our lives honoring you—honoring you by:
Gratitude expressing itself in worship (Luke 7:37-38).
Faith expressing itself in love (Gal.5:6).
Grace expressing itself in kindness (Eph.4:32).
Contentment expressing itself in generosity (Phil.4:12-13).
Hope expressing itself in mission (Matt.25:31-40).
Abba, whether we have 5 days, 5 months, 5 years, or 5 decades before we come Home… give us great freedom and joy in honoring you. You can’t delight in us more, but we can serve you with way more