power to cling

“But we are looking forward to the new heavens and new earth he has promised, a world filled with God’s righteousness. And so, dear friends, while you are waiting for these things to happen, make every effort to be found living peaceful lives that are pure and blameless in his sight. And remember, our Lord’s patience gives people time to be saved.” 2 Peter 3:13-15a

My Abba,

Thank you that you endure all our failings and love us still. Thank you for your patience. Since most of us are not living peaceful lives that are pure and blameless in your sight, relationships can be pretty challenging. Sometimes I feel like I am trying to run a race with high hurdles, while continually busting my kneecaps on one hurdle after another. I want you to make all things right, new and beautiful - today. 

But thank you that while we wait, you are drawing people into eternal relationships with you. That is worth everything - even a painful race to the finish line.

I want to understand more about what “pure and blameless” looks like in my life. I know you have made me pure and blameless eternally by Christ’s sacrifice. But what does it look like to walk that out day by day? I want to exhibit now outward evidence of my eternal inner transformation.

My mouth seems to be the point of greatest spiritual contention. A tenacious battle persists for control of that territory. I realize I have the power to build up, or tear down, others with my words. I want you to be victorious in my speech.

Whatever is in my heart overflows in my speech. My mouth remains my faithful informant. It keeps me in touch with the realities of my heart.

I thank you for that. My mouth tells me the truth about where I am with you. When my heart is polluted, I spit sewage. When my heart is dry, I spit sand. (Neither option is attractive.)

Please transform me. When your living water refreshes me, I am privileged to be a conduit for your life-giving flow. That is what I want to be. In that place, I experience the great joy of being the vessel you designed me to be.

I love you,

Mollie

My child,

You cannot imagine the glories of the new heaven and earth I have planned. Your keenest imagination is only a spark in the dark. This vapor of your present life is not all there is.

I want the suffering to stop, too. But despite my desire to relieve all temporal pain on earth, the priority of establishing eternal connection between my people and me is much more crucial. I know sometimes it doesn’t feel that way when pain has you, and those you love, in a chokehold.

The only way to thrive in this life is to cling with all you are to all I am. (And I can give you the power to cling. Just ask.)

You never expected your babies to cling to you unaided. You held them as they tried to hold onto you. And even when they arched their backs and thrashed about, you didn’t drop them. In my perfect strength, I will hold onto you, whether you are quietly clinging to me or wildly flailing.

I am pure, unending Life - Love, Joy, and Peace. Don’t believe the world peddling lies with haughty confidence. True life with limitless love, joy and peace is not found in anyone else’s arms.

Cling to me me today. I will cling to you. The rest is details.

I love you,

Abba

photo: atamanenko