How Easily We Forget God’s Faithfulness
It’s easy to praise God when life is going well—when the sun shines, relationships thrive, finances are stable, and health is strong. We readily acknowledge His goodness in these seasons of abundance.
However, when freezing rain descends, betrayals sting, bills pile up, and frightening diagnoses emerge, how quickly does our praise dissipate? It’s a humbling admission, but in these challenging times, our recognition of His unwavering faithfulness often falters.
Consider the prophet Elijah. After a spectacular victory over the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel, a threat from Jezebel sent him fleeing in fear to the wilderness. Even after witnessing God’s undeniable power, Elijah temporarily lost sight of God’s consistent faithfulness. (For more on hearing from God in such “wilderness” seasons, read my earlier post, Finding Your Davar in the Midbar.)
Similarly, the prophet Jeremiah still harbored doubts, despite declaring in Jeremiah 32:17:
Oh, Lord GOD! You yourself made the heavens and earth by your great power and with your outstretched arm. Nothing is too difficult for you!
God’s response in verse 27 echoes Jeremiah’s declaration:
Look, I am the LORD, the God over every creature. Is anything too difficult for me?
Yet, the intervening verses reveal Jeremiah’s struggle to reconcile God’s omnipotence with the imminent threat of siege ramps against Israel. He questioned if God truly understood the gravity of their situation.
How much like Elijah and Jeremiah we are! We believe in God’s character, His capabilities, and His unwavering goodness and faithfulness. Yet, in moments of confusion, pain, loss, and fear, the word “but” often escapes our lips. Satan eagerly exploits this doubt. Our challenge is to shift from “but, God” to “yet, God.”
The psalmist beautifully articulates this shift in Psalm 73:23-26:
This passage reminds us that even when our physical and emotional strength wanes, God remains our constant, guiding presence and eternal strength.
What helps you remember God’s faithfulness during difficult times?
Banner photo by Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash
