Psalms 81 & 78; Luke 24; 1 Corinthians 7; Hebrews 12

You, Father, are the Lord my God. You gave me life and put me in a family that loved me, and you called me to your salvation.

But, there came a time in my life when I would not heed your voice. So you gave me over to my stubborn heart to walk in my own counsel. You gave me those things that I thought I desired. Soon my days were consumed in futility, and my years became filled with fear.

In your mercy, you brought me to the end of myself. You granted me repentance. You broke my stubbornness. Then I sought you earnestly and returned to you, my God.

I gave ear to your law, and I inclined my ears to your scripture. I began to speak your word, which lived in me through your spirit and came to me through your preachers. I considered your strength and your wonderful works in my life, and I gave you praise.

Now I am back among the living. By your grace, I belong to you through the Lord Jesus Christ. I have been bought with a price, and I am no longer my own. I keep my eyes on Jesus, the author and finisher of my faith, of my life story.