Reflection on the Steadfast Love of the Lord. Psalm 33:4-5. January 14, 2025

For the Word of the Lord is upright, and all His work is done in faithfulness.  He loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of the steadfast love of the Lord. Psalm 33:4-5.  By the word of the Lord the heavens were made, and by the breath of His mouth all their host. He gathers the waters of the sea as a heap; He puts the deeps in storehouses.  Let all the earth fear the Lord; let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of Him! Psalm 33:6-8.

What is meant by steadfast love? In Greek, steadfast is translated as Loyal Love. The behaviors that signify Love are described in 9 traits, begin with Love, a gift of the Holy Spirit, and continue – with longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Galatians 5:22-23.

Steadfast Love – means Loyal and Faithful Love. I’m always aware of the wonder and awe of God’s goodness and am in awe of His strength and mercy. Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever. Oh, give thanks to the God of gods! For His mercy endures forever. Oh, give thanks to the Lord of lords! For His mercy endures forever. Psalm 136:1-4.

Ignoring the first words of the Bible and the creation one cannot truly ignore: In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. Genesis 1:1. Can anyone create by speaking the world by speaking these words? 

For what if some did not believe? Will their unbelief make the faithfulness of God without effect? Certainly not! Indeed, let God be true, but every man is a liar. As it is written: “That You may be justified in Your words and may overcome when You are judged.” Romans 3:3-4. Faithful when we need correction to discipline and correct us. Part of being faithful is providing correction and discipline for the one who needs correction.

And you have forgotten the exhortation which speaks to you as to sons: “My son, do not despise the chastening of the Lord, Nor be discouraged when you are rebuked by Him; For whom the Lord loves, He chastens, And scourges every son whom He receives.” Hebrews 12:5-6.

Then I recall this verse, My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. James 1:2-4.

When we trust in the Love of Jesus, can we be separated from Him? Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written: “For Your sake, we are killed all day long; We are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.” Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:35-39.

This world and heavens and earth have kept men busy for years studying the formulas that God spoke into being.

 A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this, all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another. John 13:34-35. Since growing older, I have seen the joy of those who need extra love and care. I also find the joy in serving others! Loving others shows how God loves us.

There is the person who is impatient and cannot wait. And then the one who practices the joy of waiting. Therefore, the Lord will wait, that He may be gracious to you; And therefore, He will be exalted that He may have mercy on you. For the Lord is a God of justice; Blessed are all those who wait for Him. Isaiah 40:31.

Praising God places our hearts into the mode of rejoicing. Finding fault and complaining makes us impatient and unable to wait on others to learn what is laid before us in His Word. How sweet are Your words to my taste? Sweeter than honey to my mouth! Through Your precepts I get understanding; Therefore, I hate every false way. Psalm 119:103-104.

Our soul waits for the Lord; He is our help and our shield. For our heart shall rejoice in Him, because we have trusted in His holy name. Let Your mercy, O Lord, be upon us, just as we hope in You. Psalm 33:20-22.