faithfulness of god
Know therefore that the Lord your God is God; He is the faithful God, keeping His covenant of love to a thousand generations…
Deuteronomy 7:9a (NIV)
“The Lord, the Lord, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness…”
Exodus 34:6b (NIV)
Moses was born during a dangerous time when Pharaoh ordered all Hebrew baby boys to be killed. Yet God spared him—his mother placed him in a basket on the Nile, and Pharaoh’s daughter adopted him. From the start, God’s hand was on Moses’ life. God never failed to guide Moses, delivering the Israelites from slavery in Egypt, providing manna and water in the wilderness, and leading Israel by a pillar of cloud by day and fire by night. Though Moses did not enter the Promised Land himself, God allowed him to see it from Mount Nebo, fulfilling His word that His people would inherit it. The Hebrew word hesed, translated in today’s passages as faithful love and abounding in love, is one of the most beautiful words in the Old Testament. It has been translated 169 different ways in six different English translations. Scholars don’t know exactly what to do with it. Most agree, however, that hesed is the defining characteristic of God. Here are a few ways God is faithful, which offer encouragement, comfort and hope.
God is faithful…
- In all His promises (Joshua 21:45).
- In forgiving our sin (1 John 1:9).
- In meeting all our needs (Philippians 4:19).
- Helping us in temptation (1 Corinthians 10:13).
- Giving us protection and strength (2 Thessalonians 3:3).
- Drawing near and being constantly present with us (Psalm 34:18; Matthew 28:20).
When I became a follower of Jesus, a Christian friend said to me that at some point, he knew he would let me down. He wasn’t beating himself up or making excuses for his sin. Rather, he was pointing me to the only One who would never let me down. It was an invitation to walk in the faithful love of God.
APPLICATION: Think of ways you’ve experienced God’s faithfulness. Times He was with you and gave you strength and comfort in times you needed Him most. Write these down as a way to reignite your faith.
PRAYER: Lord, You have been faithful through the ages, from beginning to end. As I read the story of Moses, I see Your hand in all his life. As You were faithful in Your love to him, I know You’ll be faithful in Your love toward me. Help me become more aware of Your presence, that I may be filled with strength and hope and love. Amen.
“… Our Father in heaven…” Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
- What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
“… may Your name be kept holy.” Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
- What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
“May Your Kingdom come soon.” Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
- Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
“Give us today the food we need,” Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
- Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I’m around today?
“and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us” Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
- Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
“And don’t let us yield to temptation…” Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
- Is there anywhere I’m vulnerable to temptation?