Happy Valentines/Palentines (the list goes on…) Day!

It’s also Ash Wednesday today, which marks the start of Lent! At the beginning of this period of fasting (whatever that looks like for you this year), we are reminded of our need for God, and encouraged to think again of His holiness, provision, and salvation for us. At Prayer Breakfast this morning, we read Psalm 51, which beautifully describes this need for God, and encourages us to bring ourselves, as we are, to Him:

“My sacrifice, O God, is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart you, God, will not despise.” Psalm 51:17

 Just before this verse, David declares:

“Open my lips, Lord, and my mouth will declare your praise. You do not delight in sacrifice, or I would bring it; you do not take pleasure in burnt offerings.

My sacrifice, O God, is a broken spirit…” Psalm 51:15-17a

How beautiful?! God doesn’t delight in sweet-smelling or rich sacrifices, but He delights in His people coming to Him, just as we are, to praise, worship, and sacrifice our songs and situations to Him! It reminds me of the song by Matt Redman, which goes:

“Jesus, what can I give, what can I bring
To so faithful a Friend, to so loving a King?
Saviour, what can be said, what can be sung
As a praise of Your name for the things You have done?
Oh, my words could not tell, not even in part
Of the debt of love that is owed by this thankful heart”

 Can I encourage you to bring your true song to God today – whether it’s one of sorrow, joy, frustration, contentedness, or anything in between? He is the most faithful of friends, most loving of Kings, and most worthy of our praise, and even though it feels like we can never bring Him enough to praise Him for all He has done, He is ready and waiting to receive you as you are, with your own unique song of praise.