Jesus “died for us so that, whether we’re awake or ‘asleep,’ we may live together with him. Therefore encourage each other and build each other up.” (1Thess.5:11)
Lord Jesus, thank you for the gift of eternal perspective. Thank you for the heart-centering/settling gift of looking at life down here from heaven’s perspective. There’s a lot we don’t have any control over—plenty going on that can be fear-fueling, hackle-raising, and hope-sapping.
BUT in our most Gospel-sane moments we remember you are with us and for us, and our lives are fully hidden in yours. You died for us that we may be with you right now and forever. You have us, desire us, delight in us. You determine our days, work in all things for our good, and are making all things new. Hallelujah, and thank you, Jesus. Honestly, what more do we really need?
I mean, “all” we have on this Friday is new mercies, sufficient grace, and transcendent peace. A loving Father, sovereign King, and returning Bridegroom. A forgiven past, Gospel-claimed present, and a future beyond all capacity to imagine.
So, all weekend long, give us joy in encouraging those around us. Free us to obsess less and bless more. May we catch each other “doing it right,” speak words of thankfulness and kindness to one another, and see each other through the lens of Abba’s mercy and your gentleness.
Jesus, fill our hearts with your Spirit and a fresh enjoyment of you. And should this be the weekend we “fall asleep” in you, we are grateful to know we’ll wake up in your presence—to your beauty and welcome, and us becoming fully like you. That will be so awesome. So Very Amen.