Thank You, O Christ

I am grateful this morning to read the following words:

"Blessed is the one whose transgressions are forgiven,

whose sins are covered.

Blessed is the one whose sin the Lord does not count against them

and in whose spirit is no deceit."

Psalm 32:1-2, NIV

Living in a world that condemns and crucifies me whenever I fall short of expectations and wishes, I am grateful for the grace inherent in the Word inviting me to quit seeking to earn human approval and to learn to rest in the finished work of Christ.

The Word tells me to yield . . .

-  my compulsive and perceived need to improve a position Christ already perfected on the Cross.

-  my tendency to listen to and accept the lies fed me by visible and audible accusers regarding my performance.

-  my ever-growing pride in thinking my trials and weaknesses are bigger than those of so many fellow human beings.

I am grateful to yield my physical weariness.

I am grateful to trade in my spiritual workaholism.

I am grateful to lay down my emotional roller coaster.

I am grateful to be loved, accepted, cherished, securely held in Christ and by Christ and for Christ.

I am grateful to be fully known by God yet wholly embraced -- He knows the depths of my heart and He loves me all the same. Is this real life?

I am grateful to know, in me, the Father is well pleased . . .

. . . at my worst

. . . at my best

. . . because of the sacrifice of Christ at Calvary.

I am grateful to let go of a works-based mindset because the Word tells me there is nothing at all I can add to Christ's performance.

I am grateful Christ is beautiful, more than beautiful, so much more than beautiful than I could ever dream or imagine . . . and that someone so lovely, so breathtaking, so holy would choose to love me and give me worth.

I am grateful Christ knows my tendency to be tight-fisted and therefore chose to give on my behalf and commit His Spirit in my stead so I can learn to let go of my concerns and know the Father is God, is in charge, is sovereign.

I am grateful Christ rules.

I am grateful Christ reigns.

I am grateful Christ restores.

I am grateful Christ redeems.

I am grateful Christ shepherds.

Thank You, beloved Savior!