Confession of Unbelief

Hope this doesn't make y'all uncomfortable but I often include prayers in my notes on the Bible. I hope that these don't come across as self-preoccupied but that they can be sentiments echoed by you–kind of like a corporate prayer.

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Luke 1:18-20, And Zechariah said to the angel, “How shall I know this? For I am an old man, and my wife is advanced in years.” And the angel answered him, “I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God, and I was sent to speak to you and to bring you this good news. And behold, you will be silent and unable to speak until the day that these things take place, because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled in their time.”

Today we doubt and disbelieve so readily, never thinking of the consequences. Father, I have failed a hundred thousand times more than Zachariah and in worse forms of unbelief. Yet You have been so gracious to me, understanding of my unfaithful doubt. Lord, teach me to trust You and to fear questioning Your promises and Your ability to do as You have declared You would. I just don’t respect You as You deserve; and Zachariah was struck mute for less than I have done! How dare I spit at You in angry suspicion of Your goodness when I look upon Your ways and do not understand them because they are far higher than mine (Isaiah 55:8-9)? Do not let me take Your long-suffering for granted but rather praise You that You are so patient with my faith-failings. Increase my trust that I may bring pleasure to You as did the centurion in Matthew 8:10, 13.

(How fitting that today in chapel we should sing "'Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus.")