But I Can’t (January 3rd)
I wish I could point you to my track record, but I can’t. I wish I could tell you that I have no regrets, but I can’t.
You know me better than I know myself. I never escape your eye. You search the deepest regions of my heart. You know my thoughts before they are conscious to me. You know my words before I hear myself speak them. You examine my desires before they move me to action.
So, without pretense or inadequate excuse, stripped of pride and self-defense, I bow before you, devoid of demand or argument, and I make one plea. It is for your mercy. I have come to accept what you know of me, and I cry for one thing—grace.
For thus says the One who is high and lifted up, who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: “I dwell in the high and holy place, and also with him who is of a contrite and lowly spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly, and to revive the heart of the contrite.”
(Isa. 57:15)
Pray and search through your heart—are there sins you excuse or defend, is there pride or pretense, or do you demand something from God because of your self-righteousness?
Humbly offer your discoveries to God. Review your knowledge of various biblical heroes, particularly considering the moments when God revealed sin in their hearts.
How did they react?
(To help get started, see Job 38–42:6 or 2 Samuel 12.)
Tripp, Paul David (2106-02-07T00:28:15). My Heart Cries Out (Kindle Locations 366-373). Crossway. Kindle Edition.
