“But Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD.”
(Genesis 6:8)
In the cacophony of life’s demands and the many temptations it presents, there is an enduring truth that calls out to every believer’s heart. This truth, timeless and unwavering, reminds us of a singular treasure worth seeking: that of Jesus Christ. As Henry Stubbes said, “Prize Christ. Leave all and cleave to him.”[1] This is what it means to be a follower of Christ.
The imagery presented in Psalm 45:10-11 underscores this sentiment, “Hearken, O daughter, and consider, and incline thine ear; forget also thine own people, and thy father’s house; So shall the king greatly desire thy beauty: for he is thy Lord; and worship thou him.” This passage is a powerful reminder that our relationship with Christ should mirror that of a bride, leaving her past behind to unite with her groom. This type of union requires both love and admiration as well as a resolute commitment to acknowledge Christ as Lord of all.
This is essential because, in truth, He is King of kings and Lord of lords. He is Savior, Redeemer, Mediator. He is the head of His chosen body of believers, and the inestimable bridegroom who gave His very life’s blood to purchase His bride out of the slave market of sin and secure an eternity in paradise for her. Just like air, food, and water are essential to physical life, Christ is indispensable to our souls. He is the source of our strength, the guiding light in our darkest moments, and the meaning underlying our very existence.
Faith plays a pivotal role in our relationship with the Lord. And this level of faith is not merely a concept; it is a palpable, vibrant trust that is acted upon daily. To “life by faith” means to place our confidence in God at every turn, even when the circumstances aren’t favorable.
Take Noah for example. He was told that a flood was coming, and that to keep him and his family safe he needed to build an ark… in the desert. And Noah believed God. He built the ark according to God’s instructions. And for these reasons he found grace in the eyes of the Lord.
This is a perfect picture of faith in action. Faith believes God’s promises, in spite of the uncertainties of the landscape. Faith moves into the unknown, firmly believing God is in control.
Living by faith is an ongoing process of aligning our thoughts, actions, and desires with those of Christ. It is a daily effort to mold our hearts and minds to reflect His love, mercy, and righteousness. For valuing Christ above everything, actively seeking a relationship with Him, and continuously striving to emulate His character are the hallmarks of a true believer. So as we walk this path of life, let Christ be our most prized possession, guiding us every step of the way.
Contemplations:
- Letting go. As I reflect on the words of Psalm 45:10-11, I’m reminded of the sacrifices many make for love. When we truly love someone, we willingly leave behind what we once knew to pursue this newfound relationship. In my spiritual walk, am I prepared to leave behind my past to fully embrace the love of Christ?
- Turning to God. The thought of using Christ and seeing Him as a source of sustenance intrigues me. In the same way that I turn to food when I’m hungry, do I turn to Christ when my soul yearns for nurturance and guidance? It challenges me to consider if I seek Him daily or only in times of desperation.
- Hearing and Action. Faith, in its purest form, often feels like stepping into the darkness, holding onto the belief that there is light at the end. As I consider Habakkuk 2:4 and 2 Corinthians 5:7, I realize faith isn’t just about believing; it’s about acting on that belief. Am I merely a hearer of the Word, or am I letting my actions be a testimony of my faith?
- Being Holy. Striving to be like God and Christ is a lofty aspiration. Yet when I think of 1 Peter 1:16, which says, “Be ye holy; for I am holy,” I am filled with hope, for this is God’s call to me to strive, to yearn, and to continuously aim for a Christ-like demeanor in my actions and thoughts.
A Prayer for Faith That Exhibits Christ Above All
O Most High and Holy God, You who reign in righteousness and clothe Yourself with majesty, I come before You in awe and humility. From everlasting to everlasting, You are God, the One in whom all things consist, the Giver of life, the Redeemer of souls. In Your great mercy, You have set before Your people the way of salvation, calling us out of darkness and into the marvelous light of Christ. In Him alone is my hope, my refuge, my eternal joy. O Lord, I lift my heart in adoration, for there is none like You, none so full of grace, none so faithful in all Your promises.
Yet, O God, as I behold Your glory, I see my own failings. How often have I clung to the things of this world when You have called me to let go? How often have I professed faith while my heart wavered in fear? Forgive me, Lord, for the times I have failed to treasure Christ above all. Forgive me for placing my trust in earthly things when You alone are my portion and my strength. My faith is often weak, my devotion lacking, my affections divided. O Lord, have mercy upon me! Cleanse me from all that competes for my heart and remove every weight that hinders my walk with You.
I thank You, Lord, that You are not a distant God but a present help in time of need. Just as Noah found grace in Your eyes, so too have You set Your favor upon those who trust in Christ. You have not left me to stumble in the dark, but have given me the Light of the world, the One who sustains and nourishes my soul. I praise You for the gift of faith, for the grace that upholds me, for the love that will never let me go. Thank You for calling me into fellowship with Your Son, for leading me in the way everlasting, and for the promise that those who trust in You shall never be ashamed.
O Lord, grant me a faith that exhibits Christ in all things. Let me cleave to Him with a love that forsakes all else. Teach me to hunger for Him as I hunger for my daily bread, to thirst for His righteousness as I thirst for water. When trials come, let my faith be steadfast; when the world entices, let my heart remain undivided. Make me, O God, not merely a hearer of Your Word, but a doer—one whose life is marked by obedience, devotion, and a testimony of Your grace. May my thoughts, my desires, and my actions be conformed to the image of Christ, so that He may be glorified in me.
Help me walk by faith and not by sight. Let my trust in You be unwavering, even when my path is uncertain. As Noah obeyed You without seeing the flood, let me also obey without doubting Your promises. Set my eyes upon eternity, that I may live each day in light of the glory to come. May Christ be my greatest treasure, my unfailing joy, and my constant pursuit, that in all things my life may testify of Your grace.
In the name of Jesus Christ, my Lord and Savior, I pray. Amen.
Further References for Genesis 6:8:
Gen. 19:19; Exod. 33:12; Luke 1:30; Prov. 3:4
[1] Henry Stubbes, A Dissuasive from Conformity to the World (London: Printed and are to be sold by John Hancock Senior and Junior, 1675), 199.
