Happy and Blessed - Pt. 7

Let your steadfast love come to me, O Lord, your salvation according to your promise; then shall I have an answer for him who taunts me, for I trust in your word. And take not the word of truth utterly out of my mouth, for my hope is in your rules. I will keep your law continually, forever and ever, and I shall walk in a wide place, for I have sought your precepts. I will also speak of your testimonies before kings and shall not be put to shame, for I find my delight in your commandments, which I love. I will lift up my hands toward your commandments, which I love, and I will meditate on your statutes. (Psalm 119:41-48 ESV).

 

Some people have compared Psalm 119 to a string of pearls. Rather than develop one theme, the psalmist adds one pearl at a time so that together they create a beautiful strand of truth and wisdom. The pearl of this section is God’s “unfailing love.” God’s “unfailing love” (hesed) is the most important term in the entire Bible. Over and over, we read stories in the Bible that show God’s steadfast, unfailing love for his children — through thick and thin, and often despite their own tendency to wander from God.

 

In this section, the psalmist highlights God’s unfailing love and reminds us of the relationship between God’s Word and us. God reveals himself and his unfailing love for us through his promise that he will never leave us or forsake us (cf. Romans 8:31-37). As we read of God’s love and promises, a chain reaction sets off within us. God’s Word fills us with awe and wonder for God himself, and we, in turn, grow in our ability to see past the circumstances of the present.

 

It is natural to doubt God’s unfailing Love. Love in its natural form is not unfailing, but quite fallible. We are often let down by the love of others and left with scars. Therefore, we can think of the love of God along the same lines, expecting that His Love will at some point fail us, as others have failed us. This line of thinking, however, is far from the truth. His love is not only unfailing, it is forever faithful. Our actions, sins, and poor choices will never change the love God has for us. What greater Love is there than this—that the Creator of life itself would sacrifice Himself for His creation? It is the actions of God that declare His Love for us, not ours. His love is based on His character, not ours. He has paid way more than we could ever pay for our debt of sins. He sacrificed his own life in our place.

 

Real happiness and peace can only come as we understand the immeasurable depth of God’s love for us. This is our only hope in the midst of trial and difficulty. Whatever you may be facing today, trust in this absolute truth – God loves you and will never abandon you!