steep me in your blessings

“Let us give thanks to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! Because of his great mercy he gave us new life by raising Jesus Christ from death. This fills us with a living hope, and so we look forward to possessing the rich blessings that God keeps for his people.” 1 Peter 1:3-4

My Abba,

Thank you for choosing to engage in relationship with me. I certainly did not earn your favor with my spotless character or winning disposition. It makes me feel much more secure that you love me unconditionally because of your perfect love.

Despite me messing things up repeatedly, I know my blunders will not diminish your love for me. This new life you have given is constantly surprising me. It isn’t something that was beautiful once when I was fifteen and met you for the first time. You made a fabulous first impression, but I am so thankful it did not end there.

I have a confident expectation (hope) in you, because we have decades of history together. But I, also, have hope because you demonstrated exactly who you are through Jesus Christ during his life here on earth. I love the truth in Hebrews 1:3: “The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being.” I don’t have to imagine what you are like. You blessed us with the ultimate show and tell.

Your life is a wellspring of living water that rises up in me every day and enlivens my weary soul. You are pure life. There is no death in you. I am certain of that. When I come to you, I feel alive in a way I cannot adequately describe.

I know I don’t want to miss out on that life by entertaining myself with all these distracting little “deaths.” So many things around me promise satisfaction. But on closer investigation, they are cheap knockoffs. Poorly-crafted, imitation “designer” handbags, for sale on the sidewalk of my life.

You provide real, rich blessings that will never pass away.  Unblemished love, joy, comfort, peace, rest, kindness, goodness, gentleness, beauty, patience, wisdom, truth, compassion, mercy, and grace. The list goes on and on. Steep me in your eternal blessings today. Beneath my faltering and fumbling, that is all I am really after.

I love you,

Mollie

My child,

I always want your heart to remain in a grateful place. I have given you everything you need to thrive with me. By raising Jesus Christ from death, I have given you new life filled with mercy, hope and rich blessings. Let that truth wash over your heart. I have all of this, and more, for you – now and forever.

Sometimes you feel lack because you have set your heart on what is passing away. Put your hope in what will last and you will find joy.

When you look at the people I place in your life, remember they are eternal creatures I made in my image. Even though my image in them may be camouflaged by sin, I love them. Invest in them. Show my love to them. Share with them my new life abounding with rich blessings.

I will show you astounding opportunities. I am offering you the partnership of a lifetime. Would you like to join me in the work I am doing? I promise to provide you with all the “power tools” you will need for the tasks to which I will call you.

Sometimes the work can be challenging. (Tools squealing, sawdust flying, sweat dripping and muscles aching.) But we will be together, building something beautiful and eternal. Imagine how it will feel when we finish and I say, “Well done, faithful one!”

I love you,

Abba

photo: hikrcn