If you sin, how does that affect him? If your sins are many, what does that do to him? If you are righteous, what do you give to him, or what does he receive from your hand?
Job 35:6-7 (NIV)
Father God, as I read these verses today, the logical, practical thought came to my mind: how does my sin or righteousness really affect You? Even as Elihu is attempting to communicate, I am a mere mortal, truly powerless, especially as it compares to You. Without You my good is but a fleeting and fanciful attempt to do what I perceive pleases You. And without You my evil is but another self-absorbed act. His questions are real ones: “If I sin, how does that affect You? If I am righteous, what do I give to You?” After all, You are Sovereign. You are God Almighty. Your thoughts are not my thoughts nor ways my way! And You do not need me, my actions or lack thereof do not affect You. Your will shall be done.
Yet Your Word makes it clear that they do. You are grieved by my sinfulness (Isaiah 43:24), admonishing me not to grieve the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 4:30). And though I cannot in and of myself be truly righteous, You satisfy my longing for it (Matthew 5:6), and have clothed me in Christ’s righteousness (2 Corinthians. 5:21). This speaks to an unseen, unfathomable connection between You and Your creation. I cannot understand it. But it is there. This can only be explained by Your love. You love me. When I hurt, You hurt. When I am sad, You are sad. When I sin, I break Your heart. When I am flourishing in righteousness and goodness You beam with pride. I am Your child and You want the best for me. We are an expression of Your love for us. Why else would You send Jesus to die for us (John 3:16)?
So this morning, Father, I thank You because my sin and my righteousness do affect You or how You think of me. I am a recipient of Your amazing grace! I thank You because You love me so much that Your heart overflows when I do good and You are saddened when I sin. I thank You because Your love for me compels me to want to love You back, not to earn Your love but to have intimate relationship with You! I am Your baby, Your child, Your loved one! I am so sorry for the ways that I have fallen short and sinned against You. Please forgive me! I just want to make You happy and put a smile on Your face! I want to give my all to You. I just want to be in Your presence. I love You, Father. Thank You for loving me first! Amen!