Day Four: That she would learn to decrease.
He must increase, but I must decrease. John 3:30
As our daughters grow, their hearts will attempt to lead them astray and turn their attention and affection onto themselves. They will struggle with the urge to keep their eyes locked on Christ, wanting to receive glory instead of give it. Yet God tells us that our joy is complete in Christ. When we’ve loosened our grip on all that we are and all that we have, we will find the love and identity that we once sought by trying to raise ourselves to higher heights. Decreasing gives way for Christ to enter in. Let us pray that our daughters will become less.
Lord, thank you that our glory is not dependent upon ourselves. I pray that my daughter would know that she doesn’t need to look to herself for joy, but that all she searches for has been purchased for her by your sacrifice. Help me to model this joy that is found in giving all to you and in dying to myself. May she desire your glory more than this world, and find her life in you alone. Keep her eyes fixed on you. Thank you for chasing after her heart. Amen.
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Sarah Van Beveren is a wife and mother raising her three girls in Ontario, Canada. She’s a book and coffee lover who is currently in recovery for knowing it all. She’s also rocked by grace.