SCRIPTURE
“I remember my affliction and my wandering, the bitterness and the gall. I well remember them, and my soul is downcast within me, yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, “The Lord is my portion, therefore, I will wait for him.” The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him; it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord.” Lamentations 3:19-26
SPOTLIGHT
God’s faithfulness far outweighs life’s challenges and disappointments. Jeremiah spoke to that when he was inspired by the Holy Spirit to write the book that is named after him.
“Great Is Thy Faithfulness” is a hymn that is based on the above Scripture text, and written by Thomas Chisholm. Bill and Gloria Gaither explain that the writer wanted to testify to God being faithful to him through, “his very ordinary life.” He was born in a log cabin in Kentucky and became a Christian at 27. At 36, he entered full-time ministry, but had to retire because of poor health. He became a life insurance agent. In his own words, Chisholm explained, “My income has not been large at any time due to impaired health in the earlier years, which has followed me until now. Although, I must not fail to record hearing the unfailing faithfulness of a covenant-keeping God, and that He has given me many wonderful displays of His providing care, for which I am filled with astonishing gratefulness.”
Which do you remember more? Is it past afflictions or God’s great love, compassion, and faithfulness? Is it your past painful wanderings, or God’s great love, compassion and faithfulness? Is it the bitter times when you were not just discouraged and downcast, or God’s great love, compassion and faithfulness?
You have never lived a day when God did not love you. You have never awakened in the morning when God’s faithfulness had been eliminated. God has been good, is good and always will be good.
The Bible is filled with experiences of God doing the impossible. He parted the Red Sea for the children of Israel. He shut the lion’s mouth to protect Daniel. He caused His Son to be born of a virgin. He raised His Son from the dead.
When Gabriel, the angel of the Lord, spoke to Mary about the virgin birth of Jesus Christ, he said, “For nothing is impossible with God.” [Luke 1:37]. Many people have attempted to disprove that statement, but failed. Numerous others have proven over and over again, that God can do the impossible. He still heals the sick. He continues to give peace in a storm, and makes simple people wise.
But there is something God cannot do. I am very glad he cannot do this one particular thing. It is best expressed in this short verse; “One thing is impossible for God – and that is to disappoint us. He is love and faithfulness. He acts according to His Word. None who seek Him shall be put to shame. Cling to this promise in faith, and you will experience the aid of God.”
God’s impossibility is that He cannot be unfaithful, or unloving. This does not make Him any less than the all-powerful God He is. In no way does it weaken Him. It should not lead you to waiver in your trust. Instead, God’s impossibility is an encouragement in knowing He specializes in doing the impossible.
God’s mercies are “10,000 times besides, and new every morning.” Great is God’s faithfulness!
SOMETHING TO DO
Today as you go about your activities, recall various times in your life when God showed His faithfulness to you. Write them down. Accumulate a list. When you have 2 or 3, stop to thank God for being faithful and loving all the time. Then ask God to remind you of more times.
SOUL TIME PRAYER
Heavenly Father, You have always been there for me. You have always loved me. Forgive me when I doubted whether You cared. You are so patient with me, Thank You. AMEN!