Who You Are

By Benjamin H. Liles

          Brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable--if there is any moral excellence and if there is any praise--dwell on these things. ~ Philippians 4:8, Holman Christian Standard

          I will give thanks to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Wonderful are Your works, and my soul knows it very well. ~ Psalm 139:14

          Lord, Jesus, You fashioned everything in its entirety through the Word of the Father who created all things. You made me. You made all things that choose to bear Your image, Your hand, Your works. I know I forget at times just how amazing You are for all You have done, that You do, and that You continue to do on a day by day basis. So, I take this time and moment to show You my thankfulness, my gratefulness for all You are.

          You made the land, the seas, everything this world contains and sometimes I notice I take Your work for granted. Even though I may not see You face to face, or hear You directly, I know You are there. You put forever in my heart when I asked You to be mine. You gave me a sense of awe and wonderment for the things that are powerful and amazing, such as geysers, tornadoes, the sound of rushing water. These things can easily destroy, but in Your hand and by Your power they also create.

          For instance, when i look at the wonder of the Grand Canyon I see so much beauty and destruction. And yet I see something from this side of the Flood, too. I see a God who deals righteously with sin. Help me to always remember You and Your righteousness far outweighs mine in every day and every single way. I'm not worth Your love, mercy or even grace. Yet, You gave it to me at Your cross where You had Jesus go to bear the punishment for me. I ask You always remember me, when I do the same in remembering You.

          I want You to know, Lord, that I do everything I can and know how to do because of who You are and all You do. I do these things not because I'm in fear of You, but because You commanded me to do out of faithful love. When You said, "Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends" (John 15:13, Berean Study). Well, I know I can't do it on my own, so I need You to help me to think more of others and less of myself. I want others to know You and Your love as I have. Help me to remember these things, and to show Your love to others so they may praise and thank You for the work You are doing in their lives. I ask and pray this in Jesus' name. Amen.