Following is an entry from my Faith Journal from October 14, 2011. Turns out my current daily Bible readings are in line with where I was at that time. I am once again struck by the times the phrase “steadfast love” appears. Eleven years later, I still need to take time to reflect on the nature of God’s love for God’s people. And, even more importantly right now, God’s love for me. I wouldn’t go so far as to say I sometimes feel completely unlovable. Yet, I sometimes can feel undeserving of God’s love because of certain actions or thoughts that are pervasive in my life at the moment. I constantly have to remind myself, or being reminded, that it is not about me deserving or earning God’s love. I don’t deserve it. I can’t earn it. It is a gift from a holy God who chose from the beginning and continues to choose everyday to love me. Not for what I’ve done. Not for what I can do for him. Simply because I am one of God’s creation. May you be reminded today that God loves you. Whether you want him to or not. Though I truly hope you want him to.
My current daily readings over the last several days has included multiple Psalms for each day. The subject of God’s “steadfast love” has been a recurring presence in many of them. Steadfast: Fixed, Immovable, Not Varying. It implies one who is resolute and sure of their current direction and doesn’t waver from their set path or plans. God may be saddened and grieve for us over things we do that go against his commands because he knows the potential harm we are exposing ourselves to. He may even be angry at us at times for being so obstinate and selfish and refusing to treat and/or help others in their troubles. But, despite this sadness, grieving, or anger his love remains resolute and sure. It holds fast. It stays fixed. It doesn’t move. Most humans have a breaking point where love for another, even family, can be lost – perhaps to be repaired at a later date, but perhaps not. God never loses his love for us. With God, rejection and separation can only occur from one side of the equation, that is, from us.
Notes from a Book Nerd 