Psalm 89: 1-2 (ESV) “I will sing of the steadfast love of the Lord, forever; with my mouth I will make known your faithfulness to all generations. For I said, ‘steadfast love will be built up forever; in the heavens you will establish your faithfulness.’”
Steadfast love and faithfulness are used often in the bible as attributes of God. God does not say, “I have steadfast love and faithfulness.” He states, “I am steadfast love and faithfulness.” So, what is steadfast love and faithfulness? And what do they mean for the determined disciple?
First, I think it is important that we understand that these attributes of God are His and not ours. Proverbs 20:6 (ESV) “Many a man proclaims his own steadfast love, but a faithful man who can find?” These two attributes are not in our nature. They are not part of our DNA. Yet if we can have them somehow developed in our lives, they are full of spiritual richness and wonder.
Back to God’s steadfast love and faithfulness. They usually are surrounded by other attributes, such as mercy, grace, and forgiveness. All together, these attributes are how God is towards those who will love Him back. His love does not change. His faithfulness is consistent to forgive the repentant. His mercy is boundless. And His grace is wrapped up in His Son the Redeemer. What do we have to offer back?
The Israelites were known as a stubborn and stiff-necked people. We read about them throughout the Old Testament and think what foolish people they were. Yet, we do not see their likeness in us. Back to Proverbs 20: 6. Man claims to have steadfast love but God says, “Who is faithful?” That is the crux of the matter. We only think we are faithful and loving! Or even worse, are we only pretending? Yet, there is a way to obtain these attributes in our lives but it is not easy at all.
We must abandon ourselves to the discipline of the Holy Spirit. Only He can work these qualities into our hearts. On our own they are unobtainable. As we go further down the road of the Christlike walk we begin to realize just how much we need the Holy Spirit to completely take over all control of our being. We cannot afford to only dabble in Christianity. We have to go “all in!” And that means a 100% yielding on our part. There is no magic wand that we can wave and poof, we are loving and faithful. These righteous qualities must be learned and earned through many trials and errors.
We do not naturally like discipline. We prefer to be free to do whatever we want. Yet, it is the discipline of God that produces fruit in our lives. It is the discipline of God that makes us resemble Christ more each day. So, the thing we hate (discipline) is the exact thing we should ask God to do to us. That’s probably why the disciple’s walk is a lonely one. Don’t let mistakes and failures get you down. They are the natural results of trying. Don’t let yourself get discouraged. Get back up. Remember, God is faithful. He’s watching and ready to help your effort. You will gain spiritual fortitude!
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