"Great is Thy Faithfulness," "Your Love Never Fails," "Faithful One," "What a Faithful God," "He is Faithful" are just a few of the many, many songs about God's faithfulness. We sing them, but do we really stop to ponder them. When things are good, we quickly close our eyes and raise our hands as we tout God's faithfulness; but what about in the valley? Do we sing about God's faithfulness when life seemingly turns on us... we lose a job, get betrayed by a friend, hit rock bottom, receive a poor diagnosis, or any of thousands of other issues that people encounter each day? The truth is that God IS faithful and His promises are everlasting. It's so easy to walk away from a church, to turn our back on God, or to return to our old ways when things don't go our way; but remember that God is faithful. I'm reminded of Jeremiah 29:11, "For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope." What a great reminder that God is still in control and has a plan for each of us.
One of my favorite hymn stories is associated with the hymn "It is Well With My Soul." Horatio Spafford penned the words to this hymn after several traumatic events in his life. Spafford was a very successful lawyer who had made substantial real estate investments in Chicago. The first tragedy was the death of his two year old, followed by the Great Chicago Fire of 1871, which destroyed much of his real estate and ruined him financially. In 1873, he planned a boat trip to Europe for a much needed vacation with his wife and four daughters. Spafford sent the family ahead while he stayed behind to finish some last minute business. While crossing the Atlantic, the ship sank rapidly after colliding with another vessel and all four of Spafford's daughters died. Only his wife, Anna, survived and sent him a telegram, "Saved alone …". Shortly thereafter, as Spafford traveled to meet his grieving wife, he was inspired to pen the words to "It is Well With My Soul" as his ship passed near where his daughters had died.
We will all encounter difficulties in this life... in fact, Jesus predicted it in John 16:33, "These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” It is in the times of danger that the chicks run to gather under the mother hen's wings. Likewise, it is in life's difficulties that we are drawn back into the arms of our Heavenly Father. So, whatever comes your way, remember that God is faithful! You can count on Him to fulfill the dreams and the plan He has for you!
