Father, these brief words remind us that most of us have a multitude of anxieties which distract us from the comfort of Your presence. When, in the midst of anxiety, we are able to step back and remember the transitional nature of most circumstances, we can find comfort in our eternal relationship with You.
Temptation, trials, tests…when will it stop?
Father, we know that trials will come on the Day of Judgment; but here You promise us we shall kept, by You, from that hour of trial. You have taught us Father that in the interim we will be tested and that each test is intended to strengthen us, to get us in spiritual shape to handle what is coming.
Perfected but not perfect…what?
Being perfect is our goal and we know that is Your will for us. In the meantime, teach us and guide us, every moment to observe Your Presence. Your thoughts towards us exceed number. Help us to respond by drawing near to You knowing that as we do, You draw nearer to us.
God will avenge? I can’t wait that long…
Father, it is so difficult not to seek revenge when we are offended. We instinctively react in an aggressive manner whether we know the offender or not. That Father is not Your way. You have told us not to hold a grudge about new or old offenses and to love others as ourselves. There is no way we can do that unless we are filled with Your Holy Spirit. To be like You is to forgive as we have been forgiven.
Carved in stone? I thought it was all relative…
Jesus, we sometimes think of the Law as being something that Moses received, as a Jew, for the Jews, carved in stone a long time ago. We see that our entire culture more or less rejects large portions of that Law.
Are you able to turn your challenges over to God?
Father, if we could just realize that you are offering us relief
from carrying loads You want to bear for us, it would allow us move forward in Your wisdom and strength.
If only a child could retain their innocence as they mature…
Even though childhood and youth may be “vanity”, during these wonderful years when their smiles melt our hearts and their innocence charms us, prepare their hearts to serve You and to trust You in all things.
How risky is it to deny God?
In these difficult times, help us realize that our commitment to You needs to be bold and consistent. Keep us from wavering as the world’s values, in terms of Your expectations, are in a steep decline. Given the profusion of sin, the gate to heaven may indeed be narrow.
What is it that will make heaven perfect for you?
Father God, You have chosen to make us in Your image. We know, for those that love and obey You, that we are not yet what we will become. Life can seem so long when we are hurting yet You have prepared an eternal place of perfection for us all where we will be neither young nor old and certainly not ill. We look forward to something so perfect that it escapes our ability to fully describe it.
Hey, do you need an attorney…This one is perfect!
We see that singing and rejoicing will characterize our arrival. What a joy filled scene that will be. Help us here and now to not forget that Your will is that we be joyful, knowing You are for us; You are the perfect Advocate. We could never enter into the Father’s presence without your advocacy. Your healing Spirit is both our hope and our reality.