Because we have been made righteous and just through faith in our holy God the Father, we are at peace with Him. And that peace is through Jesus Christ our Lord. We have also been invited to “walk through the door” into a wonderful and indescribable grace that frees us to follow Him in obedience because it holds us as we stumble and it never lets go.
Because we are held and kept by the Most High, we can find true joy in the tough times – because as we lean into Him through them we are given endurance, and in walking through those times with Him true character is developed (as He heals our character flaws and reveals His character in us), and in living life as His we find new hope and strength despite our circumstances. And we are never put to shame.
We have that confidence in His saving, keeping, holding power because of Christ’s firm love for us. We so often declare ourselves worthless, but He stamps us with the seal of “worthFULL” and gave his life for us to prove His affection. He showered us, lavished us with His love and grace despite our utter and complete rejection for Him. So our joy is made full knowing that we can call him Abba because of His amazing love, His amazing grace. (personal paraphrase of Romans 8)
Hope does not put us to shame.
Hope does not put you to shame.
Hope does not put me to shame.
My Father – the most High God – is in ultimate control. Of my life as I yield to His power, His strength. And of this world as it does not.
Father, forgive me that I still do not appreciate fully the grace You have lavished on me. I take so much for granted – the forgiveness, the mercy, the fact that You, knowing full-well Your own creation would turn away, still created, still crafted a way for intimate relationship. I don’t fully understand it, and I know my soul often rages against it, but my spirit cries “Abba!”
Thank you for saving me, healing me, leading me. Thank you for good times. Thank you even more for tough times. Because those times are precious gifts to reveal who You are in me. Help me not to disappoint. Help me to lean in, lean on, and let You lead me.
You, God, do not put me to shame.
What is threatening to shame you today? What needs to be covered with hope? I promise you this – God will not put you to shame. How may I pray for you? You know prayer is my joy.
Last year, I shared the stories about pictures I’ve taken. This year during the month of October, I’m opening up my journal and sharing prayers. They’re not eloquent or poetic – they’re simple honest talks with God. Some prayers are joyful and some are screams. Some are said in the morning and some at night. It’s my hope the words might help someone else find the words.
