January 16, 2018
A Love That Stays
Gwen Smith

Today’s Truth

I will maintain my love to Him forever, and my covenant with Him will never fail. (Psalm 89:28 NIV)

Friend to Friend

I took a few pictures the other day with what I call my “big girl camera.” You know, the kind with a lens that adjusts to things near and far, making objects change from blurry to clear with a simple twist. It’s amazing to look through a viewfinder and watch what is hazy become crisp and clear.

Lately I feel like I need this feature for my soul.

Have you ever felt that way?

My week has been a bit of a blur and this distracted heart needs a good refocusing. So I turn to the Word of God, and the adjustment begins. A man named Ethan penned psalm 89. He wrote the psalm to celebrate the throne of king David and the prophetic promises God made regarding the eternal nature of Christ’s future reign.

It’s a moving read; full of promise, praise, and wonder. A declaration of God’s holiness and steadfast love that seals the destiny of all who place their faith in Jesus.

I read it and am refocused on the hope of God’s power, righteousness, justice, faithfulness, and strength. I’m reminded that the indescribable and unsearchable Creator of the universe invites you and me, His small, but cherished creation, to walk in the light of His presence (verse 15).

I’m reminded that God is not distant, but near.

That He offers to sustain and strengthen all who are His. That God works through my weakness with power that is perfect and that He hears the cries that rise from haughty human lungs as they breathe His holy name: Father, God, Rock, and Savior.

I will maintain my love to him forever, and my covenant with him will never fail. I will establish his line forever, his throne as long as the heavens endure. “If his sons forsake my law and do not follow my statutes, if they violate my decrees and fail to keep my commands, I will punish their sin with the rod, their iniquity with flogging; but I will not take my love from him, nor will I ever betray my faithfulness. I will not violate my covenant or alter what my lips have uttered. Once for all, I have sworn by my holiness…(Psalm 89:28-35, emphasis mine)

I read these words - these promises from the heart of God - and my soul is stirred deeply.

God maintains His love.

His covenant will never fail.

Even when we fail, God does not.

Even when we disobey His commands and run away from all that is good and holy, He loves us. Yes, consequences will be handed out, but His LOVE will remain. When we are faithless, God will not betray His own faithfulness to us. He will not go back on His word … on His promise of salvation … on His covenant of grace through Jesus.

God swears on His own holiness that the finished work of Jesus is enough. For me. For you. For the remnant of all who’ve been kissed by mercy’s hope.

With a heart that is refocused on clarifying truth and vibrant grace, I turn from my blurry heart haze toward God’s love that remains unfailing for all eternity.

Let’s Pray

Dear Lord, There really is none like You. Thank You for loving me unconditionally. Please fix and focus my heart on Your ways and guide me in all truth.

In Jesus’ Name I pray,
Amen.

Now It’s Your Turn

Read Psalm 89 and spend a few moments giving thanks to God for specific ways He’s shown you His unfailing love.

CLICK HERE to listen to a few songs I posted on my blog to help focus your heart in worship today!

More from the Girlfriends

Gwen Smith is a speaker, worship leader, songwriter, and author of several books including, I Want I ALL, which features a Bible Study Guide right in the back; no extra purchase required. I WANT IT ALL it’s easy to read that contains compelling and challenging content. You'll connect with the stories, probably dust off a few heart dreams, think bigger thoughts of God, laugh and smile a lot, search your soul, and even cry a little ... because each page lovingly directs you to the personal grace and truth of JESUS. (CLICK HERE to get a FREE Downloadable “7 Day I WANT IT ALL” Devotional E-book.)