The Unfailing Love Of God
BRD REFLECTIONS
Genesis 36 & Psalm 33 (NIV)
(Gordon Tan, Associate Lay Leader)
READ:
Psalm 33 (NIV)
4 For the word of the Lord is right and true; he is faithful in all he does. 5 The Lord loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of his unfailing love.
13 From heaven the Lord looks down and sees all mankind; 14 from his dwelling place he watches all who live on earth— 15 he who forms the hearts of all, who considers everything they do. 16 No king is saved by the size of his army; no warrior escapes by his great strength. 17 A horse is a vain hope for deliverance; despite all its great strength it cannot save. 18 But the eyes of the Lord are on those who fear him, on those whose hope is in his unfailing love, 19 to deliver them from death and keep them alive in famine. 20 We wait in hope for the Lord; he is our help and our shield. 21 In him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his holy name. 22 May your unfailing love be with us, Lord, even as we put our hope in you.
OBSERVE:
Verses 4 and 5 speak of the character of God. His word is truth. He speaks righteousness. God is faithful in all His ways, unwavering and dependable. He is both righteous and just. He showers the earth with unfailing love.
Verses 13-15 tell us God is omniscient, all knowing. He examines our hearts and our actions.
Verses 16-19 state human might or capabilities cannot guarantee victory or deliverance. Lord watch over “those who fear him”. God gives salvation, protection, and a way out for those “whose hope is in his unfailing love”.
The psalmist sings of his hope in God. He sings of his waiting patiently on the Lord. And in so doing, his heart rejoice despite his circumstances.
APPLY:
As I reflect on this Psalm, I am anxious and worried about things beyond my control. I want to learn to be still and wait on the Lord. To put my hope in His deliverance.
The Psalm reminds me of God’s character. Rather than focusing on my lack, and imagining worst case scenarios, I should focus on the God I worship. And remember He watches over me. He knows my fears. He examines my anxious thoughts. He knows everything about me. When I focus on holding onto God’s unfailing love, I recall the dangers He delivered me from, His protection over me, and His comfort.
DO:
I resolve to remember who my God is. His love for me. His protection over me. His comfort for me.
I shall look for God’s Hand at work. I shall wait expectantly for His miracles.
I shall hope in God’s unfailing love. I shall put my hope in God and wait upon Him.
PRAY:
Dear Merciful Father, you have always been my guide out of trouble. Help me recall the times You stood by me. Remind me of Your deliverance and unfailing love. Be gracious to me when I fail to hope in you. Lord, I want to rejoice and trust in You. Amen.
