To the Author of Love,
I don’t speak to you as much as I could.
There are times when I only run to you when I need something.
There are even times I take your presence for granted.
Yet, deep down inside, I know without a doubt that if it hadn't been for your presence in my life, I’m not sure where I would be. My life hasn’t always been easy, and I’ve made my fair share of mistakes, but you have never left my side. Just as you were with the Israelites as they journeyed through the wilderness, Daniel in the lion’s den, and David as he fought off Goliath, you’ve been with me. Even when I didn’t show up for myself, you’ve always made your presence known. Your love is always present and a firm foundation for me. For that, I will never stop praising you. But today, Lord, I want to pause and say thank you.
Thank you for being patient.
God, I thank you that your love is patient. I cannot count how many times I’ve promised to never do things, only to do them again. There have been so many times when I didn’t follow your voice, but you still made sure everything worked out for me. Sometimes, I wonder how you can keep up with my tendency to get distracted, the way I’m easily offended, and the secret sins nestled within my heart. When all others are condemning me for my imperfections, you say, “I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness” (Jeremiah 31:3). Even in times of correction, you are relentlessly kind toward me. Your patience and willingness to get me on the right path remind me how much you care for me.
Thank you for loving me more than I could ever love myself.
The truth is, I am not great at loving myself. I get into relationships that cause me more harm than good. I find myself consumed by greed and bitterness. Sometimes, I speak to myself worse than I would speak to an enemy. Yet, every time I find myself in my lowest moments, I can’t help but remember, you loved me when I couldn’t love myself. When I wanted to give up on my life, you met me there and spoke hope into my sadness. In fact, you love your creation so much that you know every thought before we think it (Psalm 139:1-2). Before we were born you loved us and said that we were fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14)! It's unimaginable that the Creator of the universe would care to know so many intricate details about me. Lord, I am simply and utterly amazed by your goodness. My prayer is that no matter what I may face, I will never forget your love for me.
Thank you for being intentional.
You are a God who thinks of every detail. Time and time again, you have shown up for me in a way that could only point back to you. You’ve ensured I was at the exact place I needed to be for a blessing. You’ve brought people into my life right when I needed them. You’ve had me present for others at the moment they were in need of hope. I can be assured that every moment of my life is well crafted by you with every moment pre-ordained in the heavens (Psalm 139:16). Out of your amazing love for me, you guide me along the right paths to help me fulfill all that you have called me to do. Lord, I can see your fingerprints throughout my life. This inspires me to keep going, when I want to give up, and helps me minister to others. Your intentionality reminds me of your Word in Romans that says, “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28).
Thank you for being so forgiving.
As you already know, I’m not perfect. I am a sinner in constant need of grace. Daily, I find myself in need of forgiveness. Yet, you’ve done more than just forgive my daily indiscretions, you’ve forgiven me to the point of giving your life for me. I cannot fathom how you can forgive me for areas that I struggle to forgive myself. But, I thank you that you are willing to do so. If you, being perfect, can forgive me and so many others, so can I. Your forgiveness is your ultimate act of love. I thank you, Lord, for this. Help me to receive your forgiveness and love without reservation.
Lord, finally, I want to thank you for embodying love in every way for me. Your love has been exactly what I’ve needed to carry me through the toughest moments of my life. Your love has been patient, kind, and unconditional. I am forever grateful that “neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate” me from your love (Romans 8:39). Teach me to always draw people toward your love and please bring conviction during those moments that I miss the mark.
Author of Love, I worship you and I will praise you for all the days of my life.
From my heart,
Your Beloved Daughter
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