From the series: Perspectives for Disruptive Times

Athletes live in a unique environment where they experience conditional support from coaches and fans every day and every game. Whoever does well gets the playing time, rewards and recognition. It is a “what have you done for me lately” system. As every kicker in history has said, “You are only as good as your last kick.”

Many people live with a similar spiritual default in their minds. When there is disruption in their world, their first thought is that they must have done something wrong. God must have stepped back from them. If we do better, God will reward us.

Today’s passage provides a different perspective. The prophet Jeremiah wrote to a group of people who lived through a very disruptive time. It was a time that caused many to wonder if God had forsaken them. God reminded them that nothing had changed in His character. He still loved and cared for His people.

The word “lovingkindness” is used 240 times in the Old Testament. It is a word that means much more than simply love; it conveys God’s unchanging love, grace, mercy and loyalty to His people. Great is His faithfulness; it appears every morning. God’s lovingkindness is not a reward; it flows from His character.

Romans 5:8 says that God demonstrates His love for us, in that while we were still sinners (separated, enemies), Christ died for us. There is no greater display of unconditional love! He acted to the extreme, to death, before we responded.

We need a reminder every morning of God’s faithful commitment to us, especially in the midst of major disruption. The Scriptures are full of reminders for us. The Book of Psalms is a treasure trove of reminders. Add one of the Psalms to your sunrise every day — it will remind you of His daily faithfulness.

Tom Petersburg, www.catapultministries.org