My Beautiful God, The Lord of my life, please clothe me in Your righteousness.
Jesus came down from heaven, humbling Himself to be a mere man—despite being God, worthy of all honor, glory, power and praise.
When Jesus walked the earth, He did not experience what He was due. Nonetheless, He pressed on to do God’s saving work—defeating death, evil and sin. And You, Jesus, did that for me and all who accept You in their hearts as their personal savior.
You ask me to be humble—just as You were. I am to treat others as I want to be treated. Oh, how I want to, but it doesn’t always work out that way. Sometimes I’m obstinate and have a grudge. Sometimes I’m tired and just want my needs to be met. Sometimes I try but it just doesn’t work out; I somehow mess it up.
Why is that?
You do it out of love for me. Maybe that’s what I need—to have a heart filled with love. Love begets love.
When I love, I set myself aside. I put others ahead.
I think the problem is that I am depending mostly on human love. That hasn’t worked out so well for me. Because we’re human, at some point every person disappoints me, lets me down, appears to stop loving me, or their love fades. Only Jesus is perfect and can love perfectly.
Instead of expecting or looking for others to fill my love tank, I should go to You first. You are—and should be—my first love. Then others can supplement. Then I can love others better.
I’ve proven that it’s not possible to do it in my own will and strength. No amount of striving will make me “be good and loving.”
Rather, I need to spend time with You to be refreshed, renewed and filled with love. You transform me into a vessel that naturally overflows the love You’ve poured into me.
Loving Father, that’s how I want to live. Holy Spirit help me get there. Teach me how to come to You first. Increase the intimacy of my relationship with You. I want to feel Your gentle nudges guiding me in life. I want to look back and tangibly see how I’ve changed to become more loving, joyous, peace seeking, patient, gentle, kind and faithful. Yes, that’s what I want.
In the Gracious Name of Jesus I pray.
Amen.
