Dear God,

I cannot explain to you why the tears keep covering my eyes as I read and reread and reread the words you spoke to me this morning.

You chose me not because of what I had to offer but simply because you loved me. And that is who you are: love.

Who I am today is because you are with me, and all I have is from you.

You freed me from my bondages, and like a diligent gardener, you relentlessly prune away leaves that will bear no fruits.

And you ask me only one thing: to love you with all my heart and with all my soul and with all my strength (Deut. 6:5).

Like Ted Kramer running to the hospital with his son in his arms— from the movie Kramer vs. Kramer— you carry me in your arms to hold me close and protect me from harm. Moses said so himself, “There you saw how the Lord your God carried you, as a father carries his son” (Deut. 1:31).

You have not changed one bit since then.

Whenever I call upon you, you are careful to listen and quick to act. Though I may not see it at the time, whenever I take the time to reflect and journal all the things you’ve been doing in my life, I see you’ve been tirelessly at work to nurture me and love on me.

Where else can I find such a father? Where else can I find such peace and rest?

You set a sabbath day, so I can rest in your presence. All you ever ask of me is to seek you, be near you, and rest in your boundless love.

You’ve never failed me. You love me enough to discipline me and set me on a straight path. You love me enough to shine a lamp only unto my feet— just bright enough for me to see the next few steps but not the road ahead. In it, I learn to lean on and trust the One who’s holding the lamp for me.

I hear you loud and clear when you spoke through Moses to say, “Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them fade from your heart as long as you live” (Deut. 4:9).

I will never ever forget you nor all the wonderful things you’ve done for me. In the midst of my trials, I shall count my blessings and recount your acts of love.

For all the ways I’ve disappointed you and fallen short, forgive me, God. Forgive me of my sins as you’ve given me the strength to forgive others through the sacrifice of Christ.

I will never comprehend why you love me despite my selfish and prideful ways, but knowing that you do is all I need to know in this life.

With all that I am, I love you.

And for all of my days, I shall follow Jesus’ steps to bring you joy and glory.

My Encouragement for You

As the Spirit led me to do today, I encourage you to write a letter to God and see what comes from your heart.

If willing, forward me the letter so we can share in all His goodness.

With love, Jae

P.S. scene of Ted Kramer running to the hospital with his son in his arms.

“Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life: you should mind your own business and work with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody.” (1 Thessalonians 4:11-12)

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