Here I Am, Lord: Devotions from Time of GraceSample

I Keep Doing the Same Sins

I hate having to scold my children repeatedly for the same acts of disobedience. Why do they still track mud through the house? Why do they still throw their clothes all over, "forget" to make their beds, and expect the maid to do all their dishes? I get so frustrated when I have to correct them over and over and over.

And then it dawns on me, Lord, that you might be letting me experience how you feel about the way I treat you. Do I seem like a slow learner to you? Stubborn? Empty-headed? You have been so patient with me in the past--you keep blessing me even when I clearly don’t deserve it.

I need even more patience from you than my children need of me--“Do not withhold your mercy from me, O LORD; may your love and your truth always protect me. For troubles without number surround me; my sins have overtaken me, and I cannot see” (Psalm 40:11,12).

Help me throw out the idols in my life, the things I love and trust and value more than you. You are my true treasure--help me see that serving and obeying you are the paths to true happiness. Lord Jesus, my Great High Priest, intercede for me every day so that grace and mercy from heaven will never cease washing through my heart and mind.