More thoughts on “How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!” 1 John 3:1

Lord God, when we think on your desire and ability to love us so, we must stand in awe, in wonder, in thankfulness,

You have made us those in whom you delight and rejoice. You are gloriously great in your patience and goodness as you faithfully work in us, suffering grief every day at our hands as we, in our laziness, selfishness, pride, rebellion and unbelief, choose to disobey you and do our own deadly deeds according to our own puny plans. And this instead of responding to your invitation to join you in your glorious and great plans for restoring the universe to its pristine pre-fall condition. But you forgive us and continue to work lovingly in our lives.

Praise be to you for the greatness of your gift to make me part of your family, your beloved child who is desired, treasured and deeply, dearly loved.

However, the real point of these monumental truths is not my acceptance, fulfillment or joy—and these are certainly some of the gifts you pour out on your children—no, actually the point of all this is that you, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, in your great, illogical, magnificent love, are worthy of praise and exaltation, worship and honor.

You are a wonder—no, you are THE Wonder of the world, of the universe, of all time and eternity, and I choose to praise you—the Eternal Ruler, Lord God, King of all time. You are my Father and I praise you; Lord Jesus, you are my brother, my fellow heir, my Savior and God, and I praise you; you, Holy Spirit, are the indwelling, transforming One and I praise you for your deep, patient work in me. I give you, O Triune God,  all the glory