“We even saw giants there, the descendants of Anak. Next to them we felt like grasshoppers” (Num.13:33). “The fear of man is a snare...” (Prov.29:25). “I belong to my beloved, and his desire is for me” (Song of Songs 7:10). “Since we are God’s children, we are his heirs” (Rom.8:17).
Lord Jesus, being aware of how people experience us is as daily as breathing, and can be as deadly as poison. Around some people we feel and act like “grasshoppers”—small, vulnerable, and powerless. Around others, we primarily feel judged, shamed, and unwelcome—like the way Simon the Pharisee treated you, and the woman who washed your feet with her tears (Luke 7:36-50).
As our Creator, you’ve given us a relational-DNA that intensely craves you, Jesus—a relentless hunger and thirst that only you can satisfy. Mere people—even really good ones, will never be enough. At best, our most enjoyable human relationships are a gift, hint, and taste of what it means to belong to you. At worst, we use them as a substitute for you Jesus, and that never goes well. Forgive us and free us.
As our Redeemer, you died to make us your Bride—desired, delighted, and yours forever. We are already more married to you than we’ll ever be married to a human spouse—and 1000 times more loved. Jesus, make this more precious and real than anybody’s opinion of us—including our own.
And by your finished work, we have also become beloved children of God—his daughters, sons, and heirs. Stunning, hard to grasp, but more true than we realize. Jesus, keep freeing us from the “approval-suck” inside of us. We are who you say we are—who you’ve actually made us, redeemed us, and freed us to be. Hallelujah, and thank you. So Very Amen.
