“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)
Anyone who is blessed to have a child will be able to visualize this image. It’s gotten far too quiet. You look into the playroom, and there is a photo opportunity you can’t pass up. Your youngster apparently fell asleep on the floor while romping around before nap time. Cuddled up next to him is the family dog, one of those sights too precious for words. You snap the shot, and the caption for the memory book immediately comes into your mind: “Got Your Back.” You get the picture.
Those of us who believe in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior have the same benefit when we demonstrate that simple childlike faith displayed above. The problem for most of us is that when we grow into adulthood and life bombards us, we sometimes lose the confidence to not worry, be guilt-free, or feel worthy enough to claim God’s abundant love for us. I once knew a lady who would never participate in Holy Communion. One day when she was asked why, her reply was that she wasn’t worthy. Not worthy of the sacrament? If we needed to be worthy to participate in the Lord’s Supper, then I’m afraid none of us would hit the mark. In fact, just the opposite is true. Because of the sacrifice He made for us, and through the acceptance of the grace that He alone can provide – only then are we made worthy.
As we go through life’s struggles, it’s easy to sometimes feel very alone and undeserving. However, as a child of God, we can feel secure that he always has our best interests at heart, regardless of our circumstances. We, the faithful, are not always so full of faith. We keep giving it to God; then we take it back. It’s difficult for most of us to let go and say, “Oh God’s got that covered, because I have turned it over to Him.” Fortunately for us, He is more faithful than we. So, “Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.” (Hebrews 10:23)
I can’t help but think of the words of the old hymn derived from a 1923 poem written by Thomas O. Chisholm:
“Great is Thy faithfulness, O God my Father
There is no shadow of turning with Thee
Thou changest not, Thy compassions, they fail not
As Thou hast been, Thou forever will be.”
Faithful He is, for sure. He doesn’t turn; He doesn’t change; He doesn’t fail. He’s got your back – all the way.
REFLECTION: What is your greatest concern? Has it become such a burden, or is it making you feel so unworthy that you are incapable of living a full life? Do you have the childlike faith to depend on Jesus? Pray for the confidence that you can let go and experience new joy that only He can offer.
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