Therefore, with your minds ready for action, be serious and set your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 1 Peter 1:13
My words…
Praise
In a world rife with political turmoil, social dissension, cultural shift, economic fluctuation, and personal anxiety, You are the One who brings order to chaos. You are the lifeline. There is no storm You cannot calm, no heart You cannot soften, no soul You cannot save. You keep diligent watch. It’s serious business – You don’t take it lightly. And for this, I praise You!
Prayer for me
You (and Peter) counsel me to be serious about where I place my hope. My complete hope. Then I wonder, how serious am I? Is my mind ready for action – to combat doubt, to uphold Your truth, to share Your love? The answer: Sometimes. “Serious” and “sometimes” don’t go together. I pray for Your hand to lead me from sometimes toward every time.
Forgive me
Being mentally and spiritually serious sounds like a worrisome, wearisome state in which to live daily. But I have it wrong, don’t I? I really need to think of “serious” as “sincere.” Living sincerely in Your hope, I should be joy-filled, delighted to be called Your child. But some days…well, You know. Forgive me.
Prayer for others
Lord, protect and sustain the fragile spirits of those who have recently turned to You and said, “Save me, Lord.” They haven’t much practice in being ready for action or being serious in placing their hope completely on Your grace. I realize I am praying for something You are already doing. So if you need me, use me.
Thank You
Thank You for providing me a place to set my hope. I cherish my hope, and having it secured and protected in You affords me a life of peace. And for that, I am so grateful. Seriously.
