“Because of the Lord’s great love, we are not consumed for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness” (Lamentations 3:22-23).

The Great Faithfulness

This past year, I repeatedly reflected on the faithfulness of God. From my experience, not only has He walked with me through enjoyable and easy times, but He has carried me through the difficult ones. As I moved across countries and states, He was my source of stability and strength. I know that His faithfulness is also evident in your life as you contemplate His goodness and love. I encourage you to consider how His great faithfulness is evident in His immutability, immense power and everlasting love.

 

Immutable character 

Our God is the same yesterday, today and forever (Hebrews 13:8). How encouraging is it to reflect on this anchor for our soul in a constantly changing world! He is the same God that spoke to Adam and Eve in the garden of Eden (Genesis 3), promised Abraham as many descendants as the stars (Genesis 15:5), talked to Moses from within a burning bush (Exodus 3:4), and met the Apostle Paul on His way to Damascus (Acts 9). As we trace our Lord’s interactions throughout the Old and New Testaments, we recognize an unchanging God who loves and cares for His people. He always keeps his promises (I Corinthains 1:9; 2 Timothy 2:13) and cannot lie (Numbers 23:19; Hebrews 6:18-19). 

 

Omnipotence

The psalmist carefully ponders the character of God and sees him as our omnipotent God who fearfully and wonderfully created us and can perceive our thoughts (Psalm 121). The power that exists as a character trait of our Lord reveals His incredible faithfulness to us. He heals, protects, sustains, delivers, uplifts, blesses (the list is endless). Almighty God, the greatest source of power and strength, faithfully stands with us every moment of every day  during all situations we encounter. Romans 8:31-32 reminds us, “If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all — how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?” These verses forcefully remind us of a strong and powerful God. Yet, we are humbled as we recognize that this powerful God who created the universe knows us by name (Isaiah 43:1). He cares deeply and personally for us to the extent that “the very hairs on your head are all numbered” (Luke 12:7). 

 

Faithful love

Psalm 136 speaks about God’s devoted dealings with His people. Some of these include leading the Israelites through the wilderness, striking down great kings and freeing them from their enemies. At the end of each verse, “His love endures forever” is repeated. Irrespective of disobedience and doubts, His everlasting love and mercy continues to extend to all generations! Our compassionate God willingly sent His only Son as a sacrifice for our sins, enabling us to be reconciled to Him. This steadfast love is so immense that that the Psalmist describes it as high as the heavens are above the earth (Psalm 103:11). His great love assures us that His faithfulness is not dependent on ours – He always remains true to His word (2 Timothy 3:12).

 

Trinity connection

God’s amazing grace, love and faithfulness is evident at Trinity and among our students. One of the most valuable components of our programs at Trinity is that we are able to integrate the Bible and have lively discussions on the faithfulness of God in a classroom setting. Students are able to see how their faith can be applied to their profession as they engage in God’s redemptive work in the world. God’s faithfulness inspires and bolsters their (our) faith as they (we) strive to become more like Him.

As you begin this new year, I encourage you to reflect on our Lord and His promises. Thank Him for His great faithfulness! He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart (Psalm 91:4).

 

Susie Cohen, PhD is Associate Dean at Trinity International University – Florida.  Visit tiu.edu/florida to learn more.

For more on faith, visit https://www.goodnewsfl.org/topic/god/active-faith/