Vital signs- Sunday, September 25th,2023

His Love Endures

"Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever” (Psalm 118:1).

It is easy to read Scripture and take its words for granted, to glide right over the way the sentences are carefully woven together and the force with which words are used. There is clarity and beauty to be found in each piece of Scripture, in every word that is strung together on the page. Words impact us. Words can call us to a deeper and more profound reflection. 

His love endures forever. The word “endure” means to continue in the same state; to remain firm under suffering or misfortune, without breaking or yielding. The gospel story always returns to the sovereign and steadfast love of God. At the heart of the gospel is this simple phrase: God is love. This is the promise of our salvation.

What do we do in light of this enduring love? How do we approach the brokenness and pain that come with being human? How do we praise God in the midst of personal and collective suffering? We learn to cultivate a posture of gratitude. Gratitude does not discount the pain we have or will experience in this life. Gratitude allows us to be present to our suffering and to our joy.

In her book One Thousand Gifts: A Dare to Live Fully Right Where You Are, Ann Voskamp shares her intimate journey through the grief of losing a child. Voskamp says, “When I give thanks for the seemingly microscopic, I make a place for God to grow within me.”

In the midst of the uncertainty we now face, God’s love is still enduring. It remains firm under suffering. It will not break. So we give thanks.

Re-read Psalm 118:1. Take a quiet moment to reflect on the enduring love of God. What are you thankful for in this season? 

Lord, you are steadfast in the chaos. You are intimately involved in the smallest details of my life. May I approach this day with gratitude for all the blessings you have given. May I have the strength to trust your goodness in the midst of uncertainty. In Jesus name Amen.