His Steadfast Love

"Rise up; come to our help!  Redeem us for the sake of your steadfast love!" (Ps. 44:26, ESV).

In difficult circumstances it is important that we remember the source of our greatest hope: the steadfast love of the Lord.  His love is unstoppable.  It can't be broken down, worn out, or exhausted.   His love is by its nature (and his nature) unending.

When we find ourselves in these situations, we need to continue to revisit the steadfast love of the Lord.  In numerous places in the Scriptures, we see the people of God reminding themselves of his past faithfulness.  The reason they did this is because they knew that God is unchanging.  His nature stays consistent.

Many view God as capricious.  They assume God acts without rhyme or reason, but this is just not true.  God is infinitely wise and holy.  He is slow to anger and abounding in love, and because of this love he redeems us.

The Psalmist in his hour of need cried out to God, "Redeem us for the sake of your steadfast love!"  We, too, can have such confidence in God's steadfast love.  God's love is as unbreakable as his word--he cannot lie, nor can he deny his own nature.  His love must always remain steadfast, because that is his nature.  He desires to redeem his people.  He stoops down to hear their prayers, and delights in answering them.

He has redeemed his people through Jesus Christ the Lord.  He has bought them back from their slavery to sin.  Jesus received the full wages of our sin, by dying in our place.  He bore the wrath of God, and was forsaken so that we might be received.  Christ's death and resurrection are the certain proof of God's enduring love (see Rom. 5:8).

Are you in a difficult circumstance? Are you desperate for God to come and rescue you?  Are you resting in his steadfast love?  Are you confident of the fact that no matter what the circumstances, he loves you?  I encourage you to entrust yourself to his steadfast love.  It's strong enough to withstand more than you can imagine.

Why Is He Mindful of Us?

"When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him, and the son of man that you can for him?" (Ps. 8:3-4, ESV).

I find my mind returns to this question, "What is man that you are mindful of him, and the son of man that you can for him?"  With all that surrounds us in this world that expresses the majesty and glory of God, it is difficult to understand why he is mindful of us.  Why does the Creator love us?  We cannot say why, but we do know that  he does love us.  From the snow to the smile of my daughter, the kindness of God is evident everywhere.  His love boggles the mind.

How Deep the Father's Love for Us

Most of us have been tempted to ask the question, "God, do you love me?". However, the question shouldn't be "do you love me?," but "how much do you love me?" Stuart Townend has written a marvelous hymn, "How Deep the Father's Love for Us," that explores the answer to that question. Here are the lyrics:

How deep the Father's love for us
How vast beyond all measure
That He would give His only Son
To make a wretch His treasure

How great the pain of searing loss
The Father turns His face away
As wounds which mar the chosen One
Bring many sons to glory

Behold the Man upon a cross
My guilt upon His shoulders
Ashamed, I hear my mocking voice
Call out among the scoffers

It was my sin that held Him there
Until it was accomplished
His dying breath has brought me life
I know that it is finished

I will not boast in anything
No gifts, no powr's, no wisdom
But I will boast in Jesus Christ
His death and resurrection

Why should I gain from His reward?
I cannot give an answer
But this I know with all my heart
His wounds have paid my ransom

©1995 Kingsway's Thankyou Music
Words and Music by Stuart Townend

When I think about this song, I can't help but be reminded of God's love. His love has been demonstrated through Christ's death on the cross (Rom. 5:8) and in our adoption as sons (1 John 3:1). While the reason behind his love may remain a mystery, the fact that he loves us is no mystery at all.

Many people see the Father as unloving and harsh. Townend's song captures the biblical reality of the Father's sending love. He sent his beloved Son into the world to die for the sins of the world. Through Jesus Christ, the Son, we may approach the Father. Paul explains, "Because you are sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, 'Abba, Father'" (Gal. 4:6). The Father loved us so much that he sent his Son. The Son loved us so much that he bore our sin on the cross, tasting the wrath of God on our behalf. The Spirit loved us so much he applied the message to our hearts, enabling us to cry out, "Abba, Father."

There are several excellent versions of this song available, I encourage you to get one and listen to it often. It will encourage you by reminding just how loved you really are.