Can God be trusted? Will he keep His promises? Will he be found when we seek Him or will he change His mind and forsake us? Our understanding of God and our confidence in Him is deeply rooted in His faithfulness. We can count on Him to show up and show out, even when we don’t “feel” His presence. God’s faithfulness is seated in His nature. He is omnipotent (all-powerful) which means He has the ability to perform His sovereign will in our lives. He is omniscient (all-knowing) which means He is never caught by surprise or unprepared. He is omnipresent (always near) which mean He will never forsake us. These attributes are God’s very nature and it is impossible for God to lie.
Hebrews 6:17-18 ESV
So when God desired to show more convincingly to the heirs of the promise the unchangeable character of his purpose, he guaranteed it with an oath, so that by two unchangeable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled for refuge might have strong encouragement to hold fast to the hope set before us.
Knowing this attribute brings peace to our sometimes tumultuous lives. When things feel out of control and we cannot see His hand, it essential to have a foundational understanding of His faithfulness. When we doubt God’s goodness, His faithfulness, or His power, we are saying we do not trust Him. Let’s look more closely at God’s faithful character and assure our hearts before Him.
1 John 3:19-22 ESV
Bu this we shall know that we are of the truth and reassure our heart before him; for whenever our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart, and he knows everything. Beloved, if our heart does not condemn us, we have confidence before God; and whatever we ask we receive from him, because we keep his commandments and do what pleases Him.
1. Definition and Nature of God’s Faithfulness
God’s faithfulness means that He is true to His word and His character. He is unchanging and constant in His promises and actions.
- Lamentations 3:22-23: “Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness.”
- Hebrews 10:23: “Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful.”
These verses underscore the reliability and constancy of God’s character and promises. Throughout the Bible we see God working in the lives of His people without wavering. It brings great comfort to our hearts to know that He will never abandon us.
2. Faithfulness in Keeping Promises
God’s faithfulness is most clearly seen in His unwavering commitment to fulfill His promises.
- Deuteronomy 7:9: “Therefore know that the Lord your God, He is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and mercy for a thousand generations with those who love Him and keep His commandments.”
- 1 Kings 8:56: “Blessed be the Lord, who has given rest to His people Israel, according to all that He promised. There has not failed one word of all His good promise, which He promised through His servant Moses.”
God’s faithfulness ensures that every promise He makes is fulfilled, as evidenced throughout the history of Israel.
3. Faithfulness in Salvation
God’s faithfulness is profoundly demonstrated in His plan of salvation, offering redemption through Jesus Christ.
- 1 Corinthians 1:9: “God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.”
- 1 John 1:9: “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
These scriptures highlight that God’s faithfulness provides the basis for our forgiveness and fellowship with Him.
4. Faithfulness in Daily Life
God’s faithfulness extends into every aspect of our daily lives, providing guidance, strength, and protection.
- Psalm 33:4: “For the word of the Lord is right, and all His work is done in truth.”
- 2 Thessalonians 3:3: “But the Lord is faithful, who will establish you and guard you from the evil one.”
God’s faithfulness is a source of security and strength, assuring us that He is always present and actively involved in our lives.
5. Faithfulness and Our Response
Recognizing God’s faithfulness calls for a response of trust, obedience, and faithfulness in return.
- Psalm 37:3-4: “Trust in the Lord, and do good; Dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness. Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He shall give you the desires of your heart.”
- Hebrews 11:11: “By faith Sarah herself also received strength to conceive seed, and she bore a child when she was past the age, because she judged Him faithful who had promised.”
These passages encourage believers to trust and delight in God’s faithfulness, responding with their own faith and obedience
The faithfulness of God is an essential attribute that assures us of His reliability and trustworthiness. His faithfulness is evident in His unchanging nature, His commitment to His promises, His plan of salvation, and His daily involvement in our lives. As we reflect on God’s faithfulness, we are called to respond with trust, obedience, and a life that reflects our confidence in His unwavering character. By embracing the truth of God’s faithfulness, we can live with assurance and hope, knowing that He is always true to His word and His love for us. B