Who am I, Lord? Who am I that you should notice me? Who am I that you should bestow upon me grace and favor? Who am I that you should listen to my voice or care if I serve you?I am nothing, less than nothing. I am an unprofitable servant, incapable of doing more than my duty to an eternal and holy Creator.
I am proud and arrogant. In my foolish imagination, I believe myself wise. I think I have discovered much, but I know precious little. I have considered myself at the center of the universe. I am arrogant, insolent, and foolish.
I am a sinner. In ten thousand ways I have defied my God. By every willful act, selfish intent, or unholy thought I have rebelled against Him. I have lied, stolen, cursed, and hated. I have murdered and committed innumerable other sins in thought, if not in deed. I have doubted and ignored the sovereign Master of the universe.
Standing before the Almighty Creator, the Just and Righteous Judge, the Sovereign Master of the Universe, I have nothing to say in my defense. There is no defense. “Woe is me, for I am undone. I am a man of unclean lips in the midst of a people of unclean lips.” I stand in shame and in fear, without strength, without defiance, with only a broken spirit, owning my guilt.
But, in Christ I am blessed. In Christ I have received the gift of repentance. Repentance without forgiveness is empty and without hope. In Jesus Christ I have received grace, pardon and mercy. I am confident, wise, strong, and hopeful – not of myself, but of Jesus Christ who gives me wisdom, strength, confidence and hope.
All that I have, I have received from my God. I have been bountifully blest, far more than I need and certainly more than I deserve. I have achieved nothing on my own. He deserves my very best, although He needs nothing from me. Any service I render, any souls I save, any good deeds I do are not for my glory, but for His. He works through me, a weak and often unreliable servant.
I am broken, humble, and submissive. I have given myself to my Lord because He cares for me and loves me. There is no room for boasting or pride. There is simply humble gratitude and submission.
-PG
