Steadfast and Abounding

Yesterday was Valentine’s day, but the subject of “love” was already on my mind, thanks to a devotional I read earlier in the week. Following is my journal entry from that day:

Wednesday, Feb. 10, 2021

“In my Be Brave devotional, the word for today is steadfast.

STEADFAST

Merriam-Webster defines steadfast as:

1.a. firmly fixed in place: IMMOVABLE; b. not subject to change.

I got a chill just reading and writing those definitions. The corresponding verse for today’s devotional is Psalm 103:11 – ‘As high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him.’

Just think about a love that’s firmly fixed in place and NOT movable. We live in a world where “love” often appears fleeting or unpredictable, at best. People marry then unmarry. Friends are close then drift away. Parents abandon children. Children turn on parents. Love is abused. The word is tossed about casually. But this morning, I’m just sitting here, taking in His steadfast love.

In Psalm 103, the word steadfast is used THREE times to describe God’s love. Three times… Verse 4: ‘who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy‘ (emphasis mine). This is my favorite.

Can I manage to walk through this day as if I’m literally wearing a crown of love and mercy? I certainly plan to try. Oh how my heart swells this morning. Steadfast…

But it doesn’t stop there. Verse 8 reads, “The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.”

ABOUNDING

Of course, I looked that word up, too. Merriam-Webster defines abounding as:

1. To be present in large numbers or in great quantity: to be prevalent
2. to be copiously supplied

Well, time to go to work. Thank you for this time Lord.

Valentine’s Day is sweet, but it comes only once a year. That day, I was so thankful to be reminded of the steadfast and abounding love God has for me. As you start your week, post Valentine’s Day, let this be a reminder to you, as well.