3 aspects of communion with God

Reading the story of Jacob in devotions lately, and thinking about this prayer:

"I am not worthy of the least of all the mercies, and of all the truth, which thou hast shewed unto thy servant . . .

Deliver me, I pray thee . . .

And Thou saidst, I will surely do thee good . . ."

(taken from Genesis 32, verses 10-12)

First Jacob acknowledges his state before the Lord, and the exceeding abundant kindness of the Lord toward him. He knows he is not worthy, yet in his unworthiness, he also knows that such insufficiency of self is no reason not to beg more of the mercies of God. Why can he make such audacious requests? Because his soul is anchored on what the Lord has said--that He would do his servant good.

Dear friends, in whatever state you find yourselves today, know these three things and take them to heart so that they become real and living in the outflow of your actions. Be first reconciled with the state of your unworthiness, turn then to the powerfulness of God to save you even from yourself, and then anchor your soul on His promises.

(et requiem dabo tibi . . .)