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‘The LORD watches over all who love him, but all the wicked he will destroy. My mouth will speak in praise of the LORD. Let every creature praise his holy name for ever and ever.’ (vv20–21) Psalm 145:9–21

The promise that God watches over us is a great assurance for our faith. Having faith is to place complete confidence in an unseen, often unrealised promise. (Unrealised in as far as our circumstances are concerned.)

Indeed, the reality of our faith is measured by the degree to which we will open our mouth in praise of God despite our disappointments and difficulties. I have on more than one occasion had to profess confidence in Him by an act of my will, ahead of the feelings that overwhelm my senses.

Perhaps the purest measure of faith is when I have no external basis upon which to base such faith, yet I choose to do so anyway. I’ve learnt that as a parent – whilst I’ve been unable to prevent my daughter from experiencing pain and heartache, yet I’ve remained steadfast in my love and commitment towards her.

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Some things she can only learn through personal life experience. She knows that I’m always present, even when distant.

For love endures through all adversity and, whilst itself not an all-sufficient answer to life’s woes, offers a haven for safety and sustenance in every challenge we endure. Love, indeed, never fails!

Related Scripture to Consider: 1 Cor. 13:1–13; Rom. 8:18–39; 1 Chron. 16:8–36; Jer. 31:1–6.

An Action to Take: First, identify and then give thanks to God for three things from yesterday.

A Prayer to Make: ‘Lord, Your love is boundless, and I take refuge within Your faithfulness. Amen.’


Photo by Adedotun Adegborioye on Unsplash

Micha Jazz is Director of Resources at Waverley Abbey, UK.