How have you experienced God’s faithfulness in your life?

Take a few moments to reflect.

Recently in a small group study, this was one of the questions up for discussion.

It caught me off guard. I know God is faithful. I believe in His faithfulness and have experienced it many times in my life. But as I sat pondering this question…God’s faithfulness looks nothing like I expect. I even shared with the group that there are times I grapple with His faithfulness. And there are times I simply sit in awe of His faithfulness.

It occurred to the me that the reason why I sometimes struggle is because how He shows up and how He has proven himself over and over in my life is nothing like I expected. The verse from Isaiah quickly comes to mind:

“My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,” says the Lord. “And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine.” Isaiah 55:8 NLT

The Bible is the story of God’s faithfulness. We see it from Genesis to Revelation. From Noah, Abraham and Sarah, Moses and the Israelites, King David and into the New Testament with the disciples and Paul, He is true to his promises. God has clearly portrayed His steadfast affection and allegiance to us. In Psalm 136, we can take comfort in the 26 verses that remind us of His steadfast love. He is over all of creation, He had His hand of protection over the Israelites, and continues to meet our needs today.

King David

The passages we were studying in the small group were from 2 Samuel 7. David has this great idea to build a temple for God. Enemies have been defeated, there is a taste of victory, and peace surrounds the kingdom. All is good. God should be honored. They have been carrying the temple around in a tent. It seems like a noble idea. David even spoke to Nathan, the Prophet, about it, and he concurred. Shortly thereafter, Nathan gets a word from God that David is not to build the temple. God said “no”.

I can’t help but wonder if David bucked this at first. I think of how many times I had a good idea, something I thought would bring God glory or something that I felt strongly led to pursue, only to hear “no”. I also think of the times, I moved too hastily, being impatient, only to have those plans falter. I also have had the opposite happen where the Spirit was prompting me to make a change, but I resisted. That didn’t end well either! Can anyone relate?

In the words given to Nathan, we see how God is revealing His faithfulness. Starting in verse 5, the Lord reminds David that he came from being a shepherd to becoming the king, that he was protected from his enemies, that he will be given rest, and that the Lord will build the house and the people will be protected forever. Solomon, David’s son, who becomes the next king eventually builds the temple. But this temple, the royal throne that will last forever (verse 13), also points to King Jesus!

Even in the “no”, God proves that He is faithful.

Starting in verse 18, we see David’s response. He went in and sat before the Lord with a heart of gratitude. It is a beautiful prayer, friends, take a moment to read it. The “no” did not change David’s standing with God. God’s “no” simply means He has a better plan, a better way. Through the “no”, God is directing us to a greater purpose. In this situation, David clearly recognized this and placed his faith and trust in God. I pray that we do the same!

So…How have you experienced God’s faithfulness in your life?

Studying Scripture helps us learn and understand what God’s faithfulness looks like. We can see that God’s hand has been upon history from the beginning. That it is all a part of His plan. Acknowledging His faithfulness in and over our life, we begin to realize that this life is nothing like we expected. Even walking with the Lord now for many years, I contemplate His faithfulness at times. I am learning that my life is not my own; that my history is His-story. And so when things don’t happen the way I want them to, God is still faithful.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank you for your steadfast love and your faithfulness over my life. Just as King David prayed, “Who am I?” Who am I that you would care so deeply for me, for my family? I sit in awe of your providence over my life. Even in and through the hard times, when it appears my prayers go unanswered, I trust you. Continue to strengthen my trust and faith in you, Lord. Help me to have an obedient heart and spirit that aligns with your will. In Jesus’ name, Amen.