❤️ First Love Reflections #35: In the Fear of the Lord

Dear God,

“When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers,
 the moon and the stars, which you have set in place,
what is man that you are mindful of him,
 and the son of man that you care for him?”

Thank you, Father God. Thank you, Jesus.

Our hearts are deceitful and flesh bounded to lead us astray. We are helplessly lost without you. And whilst we were sinners, you called us home.

The depth of love demonstrated in your grace, may our hearts dwell in it for all of our days, Father God.

Holy Spirit, breathe in us the fear of the Lord.

May we be reminded every day of who you are. May we be filled with reverence and awe of who you are.

Hallowed by thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.

Remove the complacency in our hearts in thinking we can live as we desire as our salvation is secured in you. To believe in such foolishness is to not know the price you paid for our redemption.

Convict us of ways in which we have become numb to our sins and selfish ways of thinking— somehow having come to accept our preferences and desires may always be in line with you without inquiring you first.

Help us see the subtle yet distinct line between Saul and David in our own lives: one who sought to glorify his own name versus one who sought to praise yours. One who sought to be absolved of his sins for his own sake versus one who sought forgiveness for having offended you and hurting you.

To look upon you is the most beautiful gift we can open in our days. To pray is to share in your joy. To be disciplined in the name of Jesus is to be loved.

So, I seek you this day, Lord, with all of my heart.

Thank you for who you are, who you are in me, and who I am in you.

What is your desire for the day? May my heart point towards and be in line with yours.

What sin is keeping me from living this life as you called me to be? Search my heart, O God, and help me see the ugliness that I’ve grown accustomed to.

How can I love on others as you have and not in the way I want to?

Holy Spirit, may the righteous fear, reverence, and awe of the Lord fill our hearts and minds and souls.

With love,
Jae

“You have persevered and have endured hardships for my name, and have not grown weary. Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken the love you had at first. Consider how far you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first.” (Revelation 2:3-5)