Psalm 89:1-4 “I declare that your steadfast love is established for ever; your faithfulness is as firm as the heavens.” vs 2
Tradition ascribes this psalm to Ethan the Ezrahite, and calls it a maskil, a didactic poem, one that is used as a teaching tool. Ethan’s intention is clear, he wants all of Israel to know that God is faithful and that David was God’s chosen one, the founder of a dynasty that would last forever. For centuries Ethan’s words were an inspiration to Israel, a source of hope even when the nation had fallen apart. As such they continue to nurture us, particularly when our world is so full of uncertainty. Today Ethan reminds us that God is no scam artist, here today and gone tomorrow, a fickle god who makes promises that are never kept.On the contrary Ethan says that God is the prime constant of the universe, and that steadfast love is God’s defining characteristic. That’s music to our ears in these darkened days before Christmas. So many are experiencing anxiety and depression, with seasonal dreariness being compounded by lack of social engagement. Our usual holiday plans have been disrupted and put at risk, and we long for assurance. Often in these moments our own faith can become pretty sketchy, and our spiritual weaknesses are multiplied. Ethan says that’s no big deal because God never loses heart, and God’s faithfulness never wavers. God never gives up on us!
Thought for the Day: How do I experience God’s faithfulness?
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