Our psalm this weekend began-
Bless the Lord, O my soul,
and all that is within me,
bless his holy name.
Bless the Lord, O my soul,
and do not forget all his benefits-
who forgives all your iniquity,
who heals all your diseases,
who redeems your life from the Pit,
who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy. (Psalm 103:1-4)
In this psalm we hear of the love of God being steadfast. A steadfast love is a love that is firm, unwavering, constant, rock-solid. Throughout the Scriptures we hear of this rock-solid love of God over and over again.
There is no rock like our God. (1 Samuel 2:2)
The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliver,
My God is my rock, in whom I take refuge,
My shield and the horn of my salvation. (2 Samuel 22:2)
Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord, is the rock eternal. (Isaiah 26:4)
My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from God. God alone is my rock and my salvation; God is my fortress; I will never be shaken. (Psalm 62:1-2)
What better image than a "rock" to represent God's constant presence, enduring faithfulness, and steadfast love?
We often find it difficult to comprehend God's steadfastness, to believe that God's love for us is so strong and so unconditional. We know God out of our human perspective and often we think God loves only as we love, we, who easily put conditions on our loving with attitudes like:
- I will love you if you conform to my ideals and values.
- I will need to take some time to decide if you are worthy of my love.
- Once you become more giving and grateful I will love you more.
Not so with God. What God says is so very different:
- You can disappoint me, turn your back on me, never talk to me, but I will always be here for you. You can count on me always being ready to welcome you.
- When you need strength, support, comfort, guidance, I will always have time for you.
- You can choose a life that is radically different from the one I want for you but I will love you just the same. I will keep believing in your goodness.
God's love is more reliable than the ground we stand on. God's faithfulness is deeper than we could ever comprehend. What are you facing today that frightens you or shakes you to your core? Identify it and name it but don't let it be the ground you build your life on. No matter how out of control life may seem actively choose to keep your mind and heart on God - on God's steadfast love for you and not on the circumstances that disturb you- that is how the peace of God that passes all understanding is born and grows in you. Stay awake. Be mindful of where you stand.
For Reflection:
What image best describes the God of your understanding?
Where in your life do you see evidence of God's steadfast love?
On what are you building your life on?
