“For the Lord is good;
his steadfast love endures
forever; and his faithfulness
to all generations.” Ps.100:5
Every so often, challenges in life threaten to sideline me; to pull me out of the game and set me despondently on the bench. I may dub it “regrouping” or “a new stress” but I think the Scriptures might call it by a different name. If I were reading my own story, wouldn’t I wonder why in one chapter the protagonist stands confident and victorious in the Lord and in the very next her eyes fail to see the shining, impenetrable armor that graces her? How quickly she forgets the flawless, proven sword of the Spirit in her hands, I’d observe. And why would that beautiful faith-shield that deflected, even extinguished, the flaming arrows of the Enemy now lean cooling against the wall? The same forces are at work and the Redeemer remains astonishingly holy and loving. Nothing has changed – except the test.
In a similar picture, I marvel at the Israelites. They could journey on arid land through an entire sea, have it come down on their enemies, and then promptly gripe about mealtime. Equally obvious is that Elijah, after praying down fire to ignite a soaked sacrifice before Baal’s agitated prophets, should not have run like the wind from Jezebel. But those were their challenges and I know the outcomes. I’m quite sure my own trials must marinade in fear and doubt a while before a reassembling of my God-given armor. Or not?
I’ve been meditating on a phrase that permeates the Psalms – God’s steadfast love. I try to assume that if the Bible mentions something that many times, I’m really supposed to get it. As changes, challenges, trails and “new stresses” are a guarantee, then the reminder that His love is undeniably steadfast boosts hope, faith, and joy.
I looked up steadfast: 1 a : firmly fixed in place : IMMOVABLE b : not subject to change 2 : firm in belief, determination, or adherence : LOYAL synonyms see FAITHFUL. (Merriam-Webster’s On-Line Dictionary) Those adjectives are rock solid in the ever shifting storms of life. The only absolutes – God’s character and promises - are absolutely the only ones needed. God’s love is so firmly fixed, my new problem can’t budge it. It’s immovable to the core and absorbs my worries without a hint of retreat. A love so faithful, so unchanging, I know how every chapter of my book should end.
In addition to these unequivocal faith reminders, the Lord’s also driving the trust-factor home to me through parenting. Three children, whom I love unreservedly, can enjoy a treat from my husband and me with great elation and thanksgiving. Hardly a moment later, when we send them in a new direction, attitudes can instantly turn sour. Doubt of our genuine concern for them and their best interests propel the tears. They pull themselves out of the game and go to the bench to pout. How quickly they forgot the gifts! How short-lived was their thankfulness and their understanding of the sacrifice behind it all! I can’t believe how kids think sometimes.
Even as that analogy grows on me through the years, it falls so short of how steadfastly my perfect Heavenly Father loves me. With all power and wisdom he has my best interests – my soul – at heart. And when He gently tells me to practice thankfulness and worship, it’s because He is worthy. Who knows better than the Creator that the love I crave is His? His alone can fill that vacuum to joy overflowing – no matter the challenge.
Perspective gained through these reminders removes the blinders again. I’m dressed in the victorious garb of Ephesians 6. The faith-shield is back in its proper place, in front of that unyielding breastplate of righteousness, drawing attention to the stunning helmet of salvation. Wielding the everlasting sword of the spirit, I’m ready to defeat the fears and doubts – with God’s grace and steadfast love. Psalm 59:16 is just one of many verses to keep near-by and help keep me off the bench: “But I will sing of your strength; I will sing aloud of your steadfast love in the morning. For you have been to me a fortress and a refuge in the day of my distress. O my Strength, I will sing praises to you, for you, O God, are my fortress, the God who shows me steadfast love.”
