…To the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved.
Ephesians 1:6, ESV
How often do we reflect on our adoption through Christ Jesus? There is so much in the popular Christian theology that acts as though the choice to believe is ours and that God should be thankful we believe in Him. Yet, that is not what we find in the Word. When we reflect on the Word of God, we find that the reality that we can confess that Jesus is Lord is an honor. When I say confess, I mean a deep internal realization that comes out not only in words but in every aspect of our lives. It is humbling to realize the depths of one’s own depravity. As I reflect on the failures and sins of my past, my heart aches. That doesn’t mean that I don’t make mistakes every day, but when I pause and reflect, I am thankful that I am able to lay those things down, and I ask God to help me the next time. It’s a lot of work but well worth it. I know that I am a different person than I was, and I am thankful for the God who is shaping me into being a better reflection of Him. That is what He does. That is part of the blessing. In this, we give our praises.
Let us pray. I thank you, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, your dear Son, that you have kept me this night from all harm and danger, and I ask you to protect me this day also from sin and every evil, that in all I do today, I may please you. For into your hands, I commend myself, my body and soul, and all that is mine. Let your holy angel watch over me, that the wicked foe have no power over me. Amen.