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 wilt be.
This has always been my favorite hymn. When I was younger, I loved the message of God’s faithfulness in our lives (and I really liked that I could sing the beautiful harmony without looking at the notes). Through the years as I have repeatedly experienced God’s faithfulness, the words have grown even dearer. “Morning by morning new mercies I see. All I have needed Thy hand hath provided. Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord unto me.”
If we think back, we can all recall stories of God’s faithfulness. I remember the time I was teaching at a Christian school in Virginia and needed a new car; my pea-green Chevy Vega had finally died. I had no money saved. I was living small paycheck to small paycheck. But God knew my need, and in His faithfulness, He led me to a summer job at Ford Motor Credit Company. When I told my boss that I needed to take extra time for lunch one day because I was going to the bank to get a loan for a used Chevy Chevette, he called a Ford dealer. They found a brand new Ford Escort on the lot, they required no money down, and they set up affordable monthly payments.
More recently, I woke up at 3:00 am and was feeling anxious. I was drawn to the Psalms, and God was faithful to meet me there. I read, “I will praise the Lord, who counsels me; even at night my heart instructs me. I will keep my eyes always on the Lord. With Him at my right hand, I will not be shaken.” Psalm 16: 7,8. Immerse yourself in God’s word; He will meet you there.
God’s Word is full of stories of His faithfulness to those who trust in and follow Him. The life of Joseph attests to God’s faithfulness. Twenty-two years passed between his brothers selling him into slavery and the purchase of grain during the famine that brought them back together. Even when we don’t understand God’s timing or his plan, we can trust Him and know He will be faithful.
God’s faithfulness is a major theme in the Book of Psalms. The Psalms illustrate God’s faithfulness to David throughout his life. Just as he was in David’s life, God will continue to be faithful even when we are weak or unfaithful. In our weakness He is strong. Trust Him. He is faithful even when we are not. “Since ancient times …, no eye has seen any God besides you, who acts on behalf of those who wait for him” (Isaiah 64:4).
Trials will come and our faith will be tested, but we’re promised that God is our refuge, our fortress, our hiding place, our rock. His faithful love and care are steadfast. What He allows is for our good and brings glory to Himself. “When we have seen God answer our prayers time and time again, we will come with fresh faith and confidence that He will do it again” (Delight: Study of Psalms 1-30).
Think of all the ways God has been faithful to you. Write them down, and let them serve as a reminder to you. Your faith will grow as you recall God’s faithfulness. It will help you trust Him with your future.
Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow,
Blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside!
Great is Thy faithfulness.
