In your book were written, every one of them the days that were formed for me, when as yet there were none of them. How precious to me are your thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them! If I were to count them, they are more than the sand. I awake, and I am still with you. Ps. 139:16-18
Heavenly Father, what a great Scripture to ponder on my birthday, especially on this one—the day I’m officially a Beatles song, “When I’m Sixty-Four”. Yet as numerous my years, thankfully, with King David I can affirm, vaster and greater are my thoughts of you today. “How precious to me are your thoughts”.
If I tried to number the expressions of your glory and grace, I’d have to count every grain of sand on every beach, and every particle of dust in the universe. As much as you’ve already shown me about yourself in the Bible, keep rescuing me from every wrong notion I’ve ever had about about you. May the gospel keep getting bigger and bigger and bigger.
On this day, it’s a source of incredible peace to know you’ve already ordained all of my days for me. That doesn’t feel like fatalistic programming, but Fatherly affection—because you do all things well. I have no need, or desire, to write my story. That pen belongs to you.
Some days, however, I do wish I could turn the clock back for a possible “do-over”—especially for certain stretches of my life; but then again, not really. Your name is Redeemer—the God who restores years eaten away by locusts, and wasted by our foolishness. I have unshakeable confidence in your commitment to make all things new.
For however much longer you choose to leave me in this world, Father, keep freeing me to love others as Jesus loves me—for the only thing that counts is faith expressing itself in love. And increase my joy that I might serve you with a large and grateful heart.
Help me to major on the important things and have done with the things that don’t matter squat. Life is just too short for pettiness, accumulating and self-preoccupation. So very Amen I pray in Jesus’ matchless and merciful name.
