January 3, 2023 - Proverbs 3:1-4

“My child, never forget the things I have taught you. Store my commands in your heart. If you do this, you will live many years, and your life will be satisfying. Never let loyalty and kindness leave you! Tie them around your neck as a reminder. Write them deep within your heart. Then you will find favor with both God and people, and you will earn a good reputation.” Proverbs 3:1-4 NLT

Lord, these verses hold such a beautiful promise. I think everyone will agree that living a long and satisfying life is something we want. We thank you that in this verse you not only tell us how to accomplish that, but you tell us we will have it if we follow your commands. Wow. Yes, Lord, this is what we ask for today. Help us to never forget the things you tell us in your Word. We ask for your knowledge to help us understand your Word. Increase our mind’s capacity to memorize your Word so we can lock it away in our hearts for when we need it. We want it to be such a part of us that when we encounter a lie, we can immediately recognize it and have just the right verse to combat it with your truth. We thank you for the power that your Word holds to push back the enemy and his schemes against us.

Lord, we also ask that you show us how to make loyalty and kindness always a part of our lives. Give us the patience that we need to make that a reality. When we get so frustrated with others and want to give up on them, remind us of your patience with us and how you forgive us again and again. Teach us how to make that a part of our lives in that same way. We also want to be deeply loyal to you. Regardless of what we face, how hard the going gets, or how far away you may seem, let us stay true and faithful to you and your ways. Lord, we want to find favor with you. We praise you that we can already see evidence of that in our lives. You are such an amazing Father!

In Jesus name, amen.