Most Loving Lord, it is so wonderful to think that You know everything about me and still want to stand by me unconditionally. My confidence is rooted in Your promise to complete the good work in me that You started. To get where I need to be, I must obey and follow Your lead. Even when I condemn myself for something I did or did not do, You never condemn me … instead You look for me to display sorrow and repentance. I am glad that You do not see what mortal men see (my wayward actions) because You look at my inner man where the “true” intents and purposes of my heart reside. As my Shepherd, You know me and I know You. Search me and expose my heart because my outward actions do not represent my “real” inner yearnings. Show me the things in my life that offend You or separate me from Your will. I count on You to lead me down a path that gives meaning to my life.
I am so glad that You judge me by my faith and character and not what I do. Because You see my heart, only You can judge me accurately. Most people spend a lot of time perfecting their outward lives, but it is the “true” motives of our heart that impress You. Only You and I know the motives of my heart. I trust that if there is anything that displeases You, You will help me work it out of my life. To be an overcomer, I must continually look to You to improve my heart and attitudes. Sometimes I do not let people know me because I fear they will judge me or reject me. What consoles me is that You know everything about me and still love and accept me as I am. I am hopeful about my future because I know that You will stick with me in everything I face … protecting, loving and guiding me. I can count on Your voice to be stronger than any other encouraging me to do what is right.
Sin had caused me to be on an “eternal death row.” Your death on my behalf made me “not guilty and set me free.” Without You I had no hope of overcoming the strongholds that sin had established in my life. The price You paid gave me “a get out of jail free” card and allowed me to start over new. Your gift of life has freed me from the power of sin and allows me to follow You with the hope of becoming more like You. Your offering has transformed my life and cleaned up my inner being. None of the barriers put up by sin in the past can keep me from Your holiness and strength that now dwell in me. I think I will always have an urge to work harder to make myself good enough for You. But the honesty of Your Word tells me that You are enough. Through Your gift of the Holy Spirit, I know I have someone who will help me work out the things that need to go. And it’s in Jesus’ name I pray. Amen!!
I Samuel 16:7 The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.