“Have mercy on me, O God, because of your unfailing love. Because of your great compassion, blot out the stain of my sins. Wash me clean from my guilt. Purify me from my sin.” — Psalms 51:1-2 NLT

This is the message that stayed with me today. Deep within me, there is a hidden layer, a part of me that sometimes believes I am doing the Lord’s work to earn more favor with Him. At times, I can’t help but feel superior to those with difficult personalities. But in those moments, I forget a simple truth: I am a sinner, just like anyone else. And I cannot hide behind good deeds.

I am broken, like everybody else. I long for unconditional love, just like everybody else. At our core, we humans all share the same deep desire, for a perfect love that no person or thing in this world can provide. Only He can.

Oh, my dear Father, purify me. Soften my heart with humility. Keep me from trying to fix or help others out of a desire to feel superior. Without You, I am nothing. I desire only to be Your humble servant, for no one can be saved without Your guidance. Let my personal feelings be transformed into wisdom and trust in You. Keep my heart at home with You, my feet only walking the path You have set before me, and my mouth speaking only Your words.