PSALM 26:2-3 – Prove me, O Lord, and try me; test my heart and my mind. For your steadfast love is before my eyes, and I walk in your faithfulness.
There are times in the Christian life we feel like the Apostle Paul – For we do not want you to be unaware, brothers, of the affliction we experienced in Asia. For we were so utterly burdened beyond our strength that we despaired of life itself (2 Corinthians 1:8). We also will enter seasons like the believers who received the first letter from the Apostle Peter – Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who by God’s power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials (1 Peter 1:3-6). And we must include the words of the Lord Jesus to His disciples – I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world (John 16:33).
All three of the scripture passages in the previous paragraph point us to the reality of the Christian life. It is hard with many trials and temptations that exhaust us physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Admit it we must. We are not always joyful and living the abundant life Jesus promised. There are times we feel like we cannot go on. Circumstances try to put out the flame of our faith leaving us dry, barren, and struggling.
Well, here is the good news. Actually, the great news! It is found in today’s scripture. When we struggle and stumble, God never does. He is always loving, always merciful, always abounding in grace, and always faithful. Concerning God’s faithfulness, here is what the Apostle Paul would tell us – The saying is trustworthy, for: If we have died with him, we will also live with him; if we endure, we will also reign with him; if we deny him, he also will deny us; if we are faithless, he remains faithful— for he cannot deny himself (2 Timothy 2:11-13).
Always remember that everything in the Christian life begins with God, continues with God and ends with God. Yes, we are saved by faith, mature as Christians through faith, and will eventually experience our faith turned to sight. But in all things, it is God’s faithfulness that enables, sustains, and keeps us going when our faith wavers. As David would say, “I walk in Your faithfulness” and so do we. That is the right and safe way as we travel through this difficult land we must travel on our way to heaven.
PRAYER: “Father, I praise You for Your faithfulness that is always constant when mine wavers.”
QUOTE: “God’s faithfulness will ensure all His promises to us will be fulfilled.”