Bible Reading: Psalm 89

“I will not remove from him my steadfast love or be false to my faithfulness. I will not violate my covenant or alter the word that went forth from my lips. Once for all I have sworn by my holiness; I will not lie to David. His offspring shall endure forever, his thrones as long as the sun before me. Like the moon it shall be established forever, a faithful witness in the skies” (Psalm 89:33-37)

What does it mean for God’s steadfast love to endure forever? It means that God will keep His promise which He made with His people to be their God and His people to be His people forever. It means that if you are a child of God, He has loved you from eternity past and will continue to love you for eternity future. Despite whatever doubts we might have or whatever trouble we might be experiencing, our steadfast God will not violate His covenant with us which He has sealed in the blood of Christ. 

At times, looking at the grim circumstances around us, we can doubt if God still cares about us. It is easy to think that God has abandoned us and forgotten about us. However, the countless stories in the Old Testament show how God never abandons His people even if our current situation makes it seem like God has done exactly that. 

Psalm 89 is a community lament for those times when our circumstances do not seem to match with God’s steadfast love. In the current COVID-19 situation in Australia, Indonesia or wherever you may be, may this psalm be a reminder to us that God is always faithful and will never forsake His promises to us? 

The Psalmist cries out to God, “But now you have cast off and rejected; you are full of wrath against your anointed. You have renounced the covenant with your servant, you have defiled his crown in the dust” (Psalm 89:38-39). The current situation seems as if God has forgotten about His people who are going through hard times. 

The Psalmist questions, “How long, O LORD? Will you hide yourself forever? How long will your wrath burn like fire? Remember how short my time is! For what vanity you have created all the children of man! What man can live and never see death? Who can deliver his soul from the power of Sheol?” (Psalm 89:46-48).

Yet, despite all the doubts and hardships, the Psalmist is still able to conclude with, “Blessed be the LORD forever! Amen and Amen” (Psalm 89:52). Why is that so? It is a lesson to all of us that despite what we think or feel or are going through, our God does not change, and His promises never shake. The truth of God’s faithfulness and the hope that we have in Christ as the Son of David who will reign forever does not change. There is hope for God’s children because Christ has defeated death, and one day we will live with Him in glory. 

At times, God sends punishment and judgement to his people to teach them about who He is. Yet, he will never abandon His people. Many times Israel was sent into exile for their stiff-necked ignorance and disobedience towards God. Yet, God was always refining His people, and there would always be a remnant that God sustained to show that He is faithful forever to His people. 

Have we learnt to humble ourselves before God and trust in Him in whatever circumstance? God never leaves, and He never forsakes. 

Lord, please help me to trust in You at all times. You have wondrous and glorious plans for Your children, which I cannot see. Your ways are wise and always full of love towards Your children. Forgive us for questioning and doubting You. Help us to trust wholly in Your steadfast and faithful promises. In Jesus’ name, amen. 

Hans Sangtoki (18) is the coordinator of RE Generation Z. He has a passion for serving his generation and sharing hope in Christ. He also has an interest in classical music and dreams of conducting an orchestra one day.

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