How easily I fall into a pleasing mode! Like a child, I long desperately for approval, and at times I go to great lengths to get it. Even with God, I imagine doing some great thing to hear him say, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” While God will judge every man’s actions, I know His work for us flows from acceptance and love, not offered as a bid for acceptance and love. It was, after all, before Jesus did anything in His ministry that the heavenly voice declared, “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.”  –Luke 3:22

God, let me hear those words before I start my day. I want to hear them lying still under the covers, before doing anything. I want to hear them without regard to my performance and I want to say to you as well, “You are my Father, whom I love; with you I am well satisfied.” I want to say the words even when I see no immediate blessing or sign of your presence – even when, as Job found, all is ashes and dust.

Make the love between us full and free, a spontaneous brook flowing with laughter and song, an outpouring prompted by whatever brings the other to mind. When you think of me, Lord, think sweet and tender thoughts. When I think of you, it will be with rapture and worshipful adoration. Let there be nothing hard between us, only softness and playful rebuff. When I am angry with you, let me express it tones that give away the depth of my devotion. So, too, when angry with me, express it in the gentlest way. Burn away all that keeps me from you, while yet showing the warmth of your love.

Lord, see in me the Son you love, and let my heart abide in Him. As I love Him, so love me, but more.