Covenant Faithfulness

Scotty Smith:  A Prayer about Why God Loves Us

     The LORD did not set his affection on you and choose you because you were more numerous than other peoples, for you were the fewest of all peoples. But it was because the LORD loved you and kept the oath he swore to your forefathers. Deuteronomy 7:7-8

     Most holy and gracious Father, you’d think these amazing words of your sovereign grace would slay the performance-based beast within. But I’m still foolish enough to look for something in me to explain why you love me. I still default to my “inner-legalist” way too often. Where does this madness come from?
     Isn’t it because I want to manipulate and control you? Isn’t it because I want less mystery and more predictability in my walk with you? Isn’t it because I’d rather spend the Monopoly money of self-salvation than declare my real bankruptcy?
     Isn’t it because I’d rather work my way out of guilt than be shut up to sheer grace? Isn’t it because I want to make you responsible for my bad days and hard circumstances? Isn’t because I want some credit for generating my good days and blessing? Isn’t it because I want to justify my critical attitude towards other people? Oh, how much I need the gospel, today and every day.
   Father, you haven’t set your affection on me because of anything in me—not because of anything I’ve done, do or have ceased doing. You’ve didn’t chose me because I’m choice, but simply because you chose me—to redeem and restore me for your glory.
     Indeed, it’s only because of your covenant faithfulness that I have the absolute assurance that I’m loved with your everlasting, unwavering and irrepressible love. It’s only because Jesus is your “Yes!” to every promise you’ve made that I have this unparalleled peace. This humbles me. This makes me profoundly glad, Father. So very Amen, I pray, in Jesus’ matchless and merciful name.