“The human heart is the most deceitful of all things, and desperately wicked. Who really knows how bad it is? But I, the Lord, search all hearts and examine secret motives. I give all people their due rewards, according to what their actions deserve.”

Jeremiah 17:9-10

Dear God, my first tendency is to read a passage like this and think of it in material terms. When I think of due rewards I think of you giving material things. But material things are such a small part of our existence.

Several years ago, I had a thought about the widow Jesus saw put just a couple of coins into the temple offering. He praised her to the disciples, but that’s where the story stops. As far as we know, she went home and remained as poor as she was when she woke up that morning. She never knew that Jesus had used her as an example. And she didn’t know that some guy would be including her example is his own prayers to you nearly 2,000 years later. I don’t know what kind of reward you had for her, but I’m thinking it included a lot of peace while she was living and a special place in heaven after her death.

Father, I confess that I’m not proud of everything you would find if you searched my heart. There are times when I am selfish, lethargic, and vain. Sometimes I am too easily angered and my fear of man outweighs my fear of you. So I tell you now that I’m sorry. Thank you for the grace you give. I appreciate and worship all that you are.

In Jesus’ name I pray,

Amen