May his name endure forever, his fame continue as long as the sun! May people be blessed in him, all nations call him blessed!
Psalm 72:17 (ESV)
Father, as I read David’s prayer for his son Solomon today, my mind immediately reflects upon how limited my perspective is as it pertains to what You are doing in my life. Though David was thinking about his son when he prayed this prayer, little did he know that he was prophesying about the coming of our Savior. He was pouring his heart out to You, communicating his desires and longings for what he desired You to accomplish through his son, everything from him being the righteous judge and champion of the oppressed to the king over all kings. Yet though Solomon was a great king, he fell short in all of these areas. It is in retrospect, against the backdrop of Your unfolding mystery before our eyes that I can see clearly that Solomon’s life pointed towards One Who would fulfill all these prayers of his father David.
David understood this. Why else would he end this glorious prayers with, “Blessed be the LORD, the God of Israel, who alone does wondrous things” (Psalm 72:18)? His prayer so speaks to my longings and desires to see You do something glorious in my life and the lives of my loved ones right now. But it also reminds me that on this side of eternity I will not see its full manifestation. Father, this leaves me longing so desperately for what only You can satisfy. And it is this time of year, when we celebrate the birth of our Savior, that I am reminded of Your glorious provision!
So Father, as I approach Christmas day, I do so bringing all of my hopes, dreams, desires and longings to You, for both myself and those I love. I move towards that day not with dreams of gifts under a tree or presents wrapped with pretty paper in bows. I’m not looking for prosperity and favor, though truth be told I’d love to have them. Instead, it is my desire to love more deeply and long more sincerely for the fingerprints of my Savior in my life. Father, I want to see Jesus and experience the glory of the gospel at every turn. I don’t want this to be a “Happy Holiday.” I want it to be a “Merry Christmas!” I want Your grace and mercy to permeate every aspect of my being. I want to lift my Savior up for all to see, that they too might see in that manger the King of kings and Lord of lords! And I want to sing of Your glory to the mountaintops!
I praise You, Father, and worship You. LORD Jesus I lift You up for all to see! Blessed Holy Spirit, have Your way with me this day to the glory of my God, Who alone does wondrous things! Amen!