Hi my lovely West London Alliance family! I was asked to share a few thoughts on a worship song I have found impactful over the past season. For all of us, the last month and a half has been the exact opposite of what we expected. I have struggled to continue to make sense of what is happening and have had to surrender some disappointments and fears to the Lord. I hope that by sharing some of what God is teaching me through this, that you, too, may be encouraged and blessed today! 

As many of you know, I thoroughly enjoy music- the gift of participating in musical worship is one I hold near and dear to my heart. A couple of months ago, my friends passed along this song, “Faithful Now” by Vertical Worship. At the time I was moved incredibly by the powerful message the song sings, but had no idea that it was preparing me for an incredibly difficult season ahead. 

As I have listened to this song frequently, I have continually asked myself the question “What is the faithfulness of God?” “What is the definition of faith?” 

Immediately I was drawn to Hebrews 11:1 stating that “faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” But my mind was still wrestling with this idea. I found myself doing a very thorough heart-check. Has my faith in God been dependent on my control over my situation? Have I recognized God’s faithfulness only when I see things going my way or God allowing me to receive comfort in my life? This caused me to dig deeper in to what Scripture tells me of the faithfulness of God:

That “Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8)

That “the Lord is faithful, he will establish you and guard you against the evil one.” (2 Thess 3:3)

That “He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it.” (1 Thess 5:24)

That He is a “God of faithfulness and without iniquity, just and upright is he.” (Deut 32:4)

That He is called “Faithful and True” (Revelation 19:11)

I know that I comfort myself with the phrase, “God is faithful”. But I never take time to meditate on what His faithfulness is - what it means, how this can change my heart and my mind. How this can bring peace, tangible peace. Being faithful is to remain loyal, steadfast, true and unwavering. This means that there is a consistency, the same strength and power of character, the same love, the same care for His children. The same amount of control over all things, the same and consistent sovereignty in our lives. When I think of these things, a verse comes to mind that has frequently appeared in our WLA blog posts. Lamentations 3:22-23 states that “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”  As I wrestle with the meaning of the faithfulness of God, I am struck with a new understanding of the verse.This means that every day I am able to experience the SAME power and consistency and rich mercy and grace of God. This stays consistent even when there is a pandemic. Even when I do not get to see my family. This promise stays true when you lose your job, when you or a loved one is struck with illness or when chaos seems to consume your structured daily routine. 

I then contemplated, how does my faith relate to this? I know that “if we are faithless, he remains faithful.” (2 Timothy 2:13) I know that I doubt and I struggle to battle fear and believe in my heart that God is faithful each and every day. This is where I have been encouraged by this song- through a lyric that sings, “I will speak to my fear, I will preach to my doubt, that you were faithful then, you’ll be faithful now.” I am called to continually meditate on his promises in my life. I am called to dwell in His goodness and mercy each and every day. His consistent presence is available each day for me to enjoy and gather strength from. 

A dear roommate of mine shared this verse as she listened to this song, “No unbelief made him waver concerning the promises of God, but he grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God, fully convinced that God was able to do what he had promised.” (Romans 4:20-21) I pray that this season strengthens our faith. That we are able to see that God continues to prove himself faithful. He continues to show us that he is our sufficiency when we feel we have nothing else. What a blessing to be shown how much I need the Lord and to have the opportunity to grow closer to him. Let us, “Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the LORD your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.” Deuteronomy 31:6

I hope that his reflection and this song is a blessing to you. God is working in my heart and I pray that he will do the same for you in the upcoming days and weeks. Let us continue to “hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful.” (Hebrews 10:23)