Today I Am 9...

Nine years old as Your child. Nine years ago today I was brought to my knees in realization of my sinfulness and Your holiness and grace. Because of Your great love for me, I stand here today, forgiven. I don't even want to imagine where I would be right now without Your sacrifice! I don't think I can ever grasp the full extent of Jesus' sacrifice. For me. Never in a million years could I deserve it! Yet He came and died in my place, took my shame, and has now given me new life! I am a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come! (2 Cor 5:17) Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift! (2 Cor 9:15)

As I think back over the years, I can't help but be overwhelmed by Your faithfulness. You were with me through it all, You never failed...even when I did. Your mercies never came to an end, they were new every morning. Great is Your faithfulness! (Lam 3:22-24)

So, I am nine years old. But I'm still constantly struggling, God. Sometimes I get distracted. My sin gets in the way. I think I can do this on my own. But I can't. After growing in You for nine years, I feel like I should have learned this by now. Thank you for Your unending grace that picks me up each time I fall!

God, I don't want anything to come between our relationship. I want every day to be a new opportunity to deepen my love for You and continually seek Your face. In Your presence is fullness of joy! (Ps 16:11) I pray that You will become my the love of my life, my number one priority, and my sole satisfaction. Remind me every day of how unworthy I am. Instead of people noticing me, may they only see You. You must increase, I must decrease. (John 3:30) May my boasting be in You alone (2 Cor 10:17) because it is only You who can do anything great with me.

In Christ alone will I glory
Though I could pride myself in battles won
For I’ve been blessed beyond measure
And by His strength alone I’ll overcome
Oh, I could stop and count successes like diamonds in my hands
But those trophies could not equal to the grace by which I stand

In Christ alone
I place my trust
And find my glory in the power of the cross
In every victory
Let it be said of me
My source of strength
My source of hope
Is Christ alone

- From "In Christ Alone" by Brian Littrell

Year after year, Your grace is sufficient - and it still amazes me. Somehow, in Your sovereign plan, You chose me and are growing me and molding me to become more like You. Take me and use me; I am Yours. My deepest desire is to be used by You, for Your glory. I know that You will, as long as I am fully surrendered to You. As I surrendered my life to You for the first time nine years ago, so I surrender my life anew to You now. I have decided to follow Jesus.

No turning back.

And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. - Philippians 1:6