Great is Thy Faithfulness

Faithful. We use that word a lot in the church. We use it in songs, in prayers, in sermons and Sunday School lessons. But it's a word that I've gained new perspective in recently, and I'm so excited to share with you what God has pressed on my heart.

 Recently, there's been a lot of articles popping up on social media (maybe it's just in my circle of friends) about relationships: modesty, lust, biblical manhood and womanhood, what's appropriate for dating, what's appropriate for marriage, and so on. It's like relationship advice overload. Divorce and separation has also been something that has come up a lot recently in conversation with my friends. I know that sounds kind of strange, but I've had several discussions recently about what would be appropriate grounds breaking up with someone or for divorce. The Pharisees asked Jesus this question in Matthew 19: "Is it lawful to divorce one's wife for any cause?" Jesus told them that God created man and woman to come together and become one flesh, not to be separated, but that, because of the sinfulness of man, the Law of Moses was given that "whoever divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another, commits adultery." So, it would seem and has been argued, that sexual immorality is proper grounds for divorce. But what level of sexual immorality? Jesus said during His Sermon on the Mount that whoever looks at a woman in lust has already committed adultery in his heart. In today's age, is pornography a valid reason for divorce? How many times do you try to mend the relationship with your spouse before you say enough is enough? Whether we have been directly affected by divorce or just know someone who has, I think we can all agree that all divorce is difficult and ugly. Jesus was right (duh.) when He said the law of divorce was created because of our sinfulness. We are fallen people. As believers, our relationships are meant to be reflections of God. Made in His image, we are able to do that, but fallen and sinful we do that imperfectly, and even our best relationships endure hardships and struggles.

So all of this talk about human relationships, what's good and what's bad and when is it OK to divorce led me to thinking about how God relates to us. As my friend and I were talking about divorce, Hosea's name was brought up. I love the testimony of Hosea. I would never want to be Hosea (Sorry, Man.) but I think his story is beautiful. I know that God called Hosea to marry Gomer as a message to the nation of Israel, but in His big picture, I think that we can celebrate God's faithful love not just to Israel, but to us as well. In my discussion about at what point do differences become irreconcilable, I wondered what it would be like to place my relationship with God in a completely human context. It would look a lot like the picture in Hosea. I am a wicked person. I struggle with sin daily, and too often sin wins. In my relationship with God, I am an adulterer. I am unfaithful. I play around and give my heart to others. If ours were merely a human relationship, there would be no question nor a lack of support for separation because of my infidelity. That breaks my heart. And yet, God, in His holiness and in His perfect goodness has remained faithful and loving, when all human reason would say to leave, to separate. He has stayed faithful to His promises, and I have been given a love greater than I could ever expect or imagine, greater than I could ever give anyone. The realization of God's complete faithfulness is extremely humbling. It's completely convicting. What possible response could I give to the One who has loved me so perfectly? Of course my response must be one of surrender. I imagine this picture of a woman, who ran away from home looking for something greater, something more exciting, because the words and lies of the world were so enticing, she became blind to the great care she had in her own home. She searches and searches for what she thinks will bring her greater fulfillment, but even the moments of pleasure pass and she is left unsatisfied and alone. She returns home dirty, bruised, and broken. Her strength is gone and she collapses at her husband's feet, weeping because of her shame. Surely he has the right to leave her, and no one would hold it against him if he did. But he picks her up, and holds her tightly in his arms as he quietly and gently washes off all of the mud and clay from her face, bandages her wounds, combs through her hair until all the tangles are gone, and dresses her in warm, clean clothes. He loves her and cares for her, despite her betrayal. That is our relationship with God. Though we have all we ever need, more than we could ever desire, we turn our hearts elsewhere looking for something greater, with this twisted idea of what love should be. Yet, even in our most shameful moments, He remains faithful not only to us, but to His promises and to His character. And the only proper response we can give is one of humility and surrender and imperfect love in return. What a lovely, beautiful God we serve.

Great is Thy Faithfulness, O God my Father.
There is no turning of shadow with Thee.
Thou changest not. Thy compassions, they fail not.
As Thou hast been Thou forever wilt be.

Great is Thy faithfulness! Great is Thy faithfulness!
Morning by morning new mercies I see.
All I have needed Thy hands hath provided.
Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me.

Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth,
Thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide.
Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow,
Blessings all mine with ten thousand beside!