[2 Thessalonians 3, Proverbs 28]

H – 2 Thessalonians 3:5, “May the Lord direct your hearts to the love of God and to the steadfastness of Christ.”

E – Direct My Heart, Lord!

Paul concludes his letter to the church at Thessalonians with a prayer of encouragement and a command against idleness. This prayer encouraged me this morning. It is brief and simple, yet in its fulness it is so profound. 

1. He prayed these believers hearts would be directed toward the love of God. This church had been through a lot in a short time. And now, they were also on the receiving end of persecution (3:3). Paul knew that for these believers to keep pressing forward in faith they needed full reminder of God’s love for them. His love was made evident through His Word, which is why Paul asked for prayers that the Word would speed ahead and be honored (3:1). 

2. He prayed for these believers to following the example of Christ. Christ was the example of obedience to the Father and love for all people. This is the steadfastness of Christ. But, there could also be a dual meaning here. Most of 1 and 2 Thessalonians points to the return of Christ, which could also be an encouragement to be steadfast; ready and prepared for God’s display of love for all believers through the return of Christ. 

Regardless, these two objects of prayer are huge when placed together. Paul desired for them a deep, experiential comprehension of God’s love, an understanding of which would produce in them steadfast obedience and love (Phil. 1:9–10), preparing for the day of His return. 

A – I need my heart directed to the love of God, producing faithful obedience and readiness. I need His Word and the presence of His Spirit. I need to experience His love for me anew each day through the reading of His Word and through the power of my testimony. 

R – Lord God, direct my heart. May your word be a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path. I pray your Word would show me each day your love for me and I pray I would never get over it. Lord God, I pray I would be able to remain self-controlled, steadfast, and ready for the day of your return. Lord God, until the day that I see you face to face, may my life be one of faithful obedience, imitating Christ the Lord. 

In Jesus Name!