Promises - 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. (Psalm 119:41-47 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.” This is one of the most consistent promises written in the Scripture. 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. Joshua 1:5). 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 desire to love, please, and serve God and others.

 

Our three sons are nearly five years apart. Throughout the years I have been asked which one was my favorite. I usually chuckle and respond with, “Well, Kyle is my favorite scientist, David is my favorite businessman, and Aaron is my favorite linguist.” They usually stare in disbelief and ask further, to which I say, “I love them with the same kind of love that God loves me… it is unfailing and total.” That usually changes the subject rather quickly!

 

It is vital that you know God loves you with an unfailing love… it is forever and with limits. It cannot be diminished by any action on our part. He simply does not give up on us!