You, O Lord, are everything to me. The good I see in my life comes from You … the hope I feel toward my future comes from You … and, the confidence I feel comes from Your faithfulness. You are my light shining into the darkness so I can see the road I am to take. Your radiance inspires me and helps me focus on the goals You planned for me to reach. No longer does darkness cast its shadow over me because I am aglow with love for You. When I am emotionally drained, lack joy and my heart feels empty, I seek You for comfort and encouragement to get me going again. You not only are the One who gave me life, but You sustain it through both good and bad times. I have chosen to give You my life so that You can fill it with Your mercy and grace. No longer am I a slave to sin because You have set me free to live for You. In submitting to Your will, I have placed my complete trust in You.
You are my learned teacher and, as I grow in my knowledge of You and Your ways, I know I will lead a more productive and fulfilling life. In the past, I found myself ever-searching to know the things that would lead me to prosperity and happiness. Until I opened myself to learning more about You and understanding Your principles, I was unfulfilled with little expectation of good coming into my life. However, by trusting You, I’ve found the pathway to peace and contentment. In humility, I gladly bow before You as the Creator of all things and the One who sustains them through Your awesome power and might. I am beginning to feel like a part of something bigger than myself … one stone among many who make up the church … an organ performing my functions and purpose in a larger body … and, a warrior in an army going forth spreading Your principles and teaching.
Like a Good Shepherd, You have fed me, protected me and sheltered me. In Your patience, You have shown me the way to live uprightly and, when I drifted away, You’ve brought me back to the fold. When I am heavily burdened, You’ve been at my side and offered to take my yoke in exchange for Yours. If I become drained and weary, You have that special ability to restore me. I am glad that You have taught me the way of a shepherd: Rescuing the lost, binding up the wounds of the broken-hearted and guiding others to the green pastures of Your love and salvation. It gives me comfort to know that Your eyes follow me wherever I go and You watch out for my safety. Whenever my heart grows cold, You warm it with Your love. When darkness comes to cloud my perspective, Your light chases it away. It is You alone who gives me the strength and perseverance to overcome adversity. That is why I am able to say … “if it had not been for You, I would be lost and helpless.” And it’s in Jesus’ name I pray. AMEN!!
Psalms 86:5 For Thou, Lord, are good and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy to all those who call upon You.