DAY 27 | The LORD Our Righteousness

In his lifetime, Judah will be saved, and Israel will live in safety. This is the name that he will be given Adonai Tsidkenu (The LORD Our Righteousness).
Jeremiah 23:6

Pronunciation Reference: יְהוָה צִדְקֵנוּ

photography by Stephen Leonardi / calligraphy by Rita Ip

MUSIC

PRAYER

The LORD my Righteousness, You deserve my highest praise. No man is righteous according to Your standards, but only through Jesus, the unblemished sacrifice, do all believers have the right standing before You.

My heart overflows with gratitude when I think of the finished work of Jesus on the cross. Christ is my righteousness. Nothing, whether it's my sins or my good deeds, can diminish or increase it.

Forgive me for trying to achieve or rely on my own righteousness.

Show me how to rest in Your righteousness, Jesus. Help me impart Your liberating truth to the weary ones who strive in vain for their justification.

Because You are the LORD my Righteousness, I declare that I am forever justified and made right with You, once and for all, by grace through faith.

A few facts…

Adonai Tsidkenu, Yahweh Tsidqenu, and Jehovah Tsidkenu all refer to the same divine title יְהוָה צִדְקֵנוּ, but are written in different ways.
Adonai Tsidkenu is commonly translated as "The LORD (is) Our Righteousness," although other translations include "The LORD Gives Justice," "The LORD Our Salvation," and "the Lord our Just One."
Adonai Tsidkenu is seen as a Messianic title, pointing to Jesus Christ as the ultimate fulfillment of God's righteousness. In Jeremiah 23, God admonished the leaders who scattered His flock and then made a promise to raise up a "righteous Branch" (referring to Jesus), a King who would bring restoration and be known as "The LORD Our Righteousness."
Righteousness is simply "right standing with God" - the condition of being in a right relationship with the Lord. This can only be achieved through complete faith and dependence on Christ.

SMILE & BREATHE

Find a quiet space and minimize any distractions. Sit up straight, allowing your shoulders, neck, and jaw to relax.

No matter how you feel right now, take a moment to smile with me.

As you smile, imagine your tattered garments being removed, and Jesus has clothed you with a robe of righteousness.

Gently inhale through your nose, filling your lower abdomen, and focus on the righteousness found only in Jesus.

Hold your breath for a few moments, savoring the privilege of standing in His righteousness.

Now, exhale slowly and fully, releasing the weariness of striving to be good, the fatigue of doing good deeds, and the thoughts of "I am never enough." Surrender these burdens as you let them go.

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." (Matthew 11:28) This is His invitation to you.

Exercise 1:

TWO-WAY JOURNALING

Begin a new page in your journal and prepare to write to The LORD Your Righteousness. Whether you find yourself grappling with righteousness or encountering someone who exhibits self-righteousness, take this opportunity to pour out your thoughts and experiences to God. Invite Him to guide you through your thoughts and inner world. Remain open to His response, transforming your monologue into a meaningful dialogue. Let us seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit as we engage in this journaling experience.

[Part 1]
Dear LORD My Righteousness, …
[Part 2]
Dear (your name), …

• Thank Him for the gift of righteousness (it’s a gift, not a reward that you need to earn)

• Do you feel like you’re forever missing the mark? Are you preoccupied with earning approval from God or someone? Have you been trying to prove your righteousness? You may write about these strivings

• Are you struggling with your own self-righteousness? or trying to deal with someone who’s being self-righteous? Process your struggles before God
• You may ask Him how to actually rest in His righteousness.

Exercise 2:

DECLARATION

The belief system we embrace shapes the direction of our lives. Therefore, we must guard our thoughts with utmost vigilance. In this section, we focus on nourishing our minds with faith-filled, God-honoring truths, allowing us to reframe our perspectives and empower ourselves to walk in His reality.

He is The LORD Your Righteousness. Your right standing before God is a gift, not something you can earn. How does this truth impact your daily life? Take a moment to reflect and craft your declaration in your journal.

Because You are The LORD My Righteousness, I declare I can / I will / I am…

Now, read your declaration aloud, addressing both God and yourself. Repeat it multiple times with certainty, gratitude, and joy, as though it is already manifesting in your life.

This marks the end of Day 27 of HE. On this day, I pray that you will accept Jesus' invitation to celebrate His finished work on the cross and find rest in His righteousness.