The Fear of the Lord is Reverence

Psalm 103: 11-13

11 For as the heavens are high above the earth, So great is His mercy toward those who fear Him; 12  As far as the east is from the west, So far has He removed our transgressions from us. 13  As a father pities his children, So the Lord pities those who fear Him

Father God, please help us understand the difference between the pursuit of perfection and the expectation that we will always attain it. Perfection is our aim, but often it is not our reality because we are imperfect creatures striving to achieve the ideal. Wisdom informs us that our perfection is only found in You. It is only when we stand in Your righteousness; walk in the power of Your Spirit; surrender to Your will; embrace Your motives; and proceed in Your way that we begin to realize true excellence.

Lord, please help us make room for honest mistakes from ourselves and others. We pray that you teach us mechanisms for recognizing our mistakes and strategies that help us move beyond them. May all our mistakes function as stepping stones to a closer walk with You, and better relationships with fellow citizens of Your Kingdom. We pray for wisdom to learn and grow from our errors, and not dwell in chasms of harsh judgment, blame and frustration. And we pray for spiritual maturity as we humbly move forward in hope and love.

Master, thank You for extending Your forgiveness, grace and mercy. They are good medicines for the hearts of broken and imperfect people, like us. And even though we never reach perfection during our earthly journey, we look forward to a perfect future with You; in that place where Your perfect will is the order of every day.  When the “wicked will cease from troubling and our weary souls will be at rest.” Thank You for Your provisions now and the hope of glorious days to come. Hallelujah! In Jesus Name we pray and give thanks. Amen.