Relentless, Steadfast Love

Joy and sorrow are this ocean

And in their every ebb and flow

Now the Lord a door has opened

That all Hell could never close

Here I'm tested and made worthy

Tossed about but lifted up

In the reckless raging fury

That they call the love of God

-Rich Mullins

The things that speak to me the most are the honest, unpolished, and raw stories of life. Not that I expect or desire for anyone to air out dirty laundry for the public, but in a world of facades it is a refreshing and unexpected surprise when there is honesty and personal humility. This trait is particularly attractive to me when it comes to one's spiritual journey. I recently heard a quiet, timid woman speak of her love for Jesus with moist eyes and a trembling voice. The unspoken part of her story was her determination to love and follow him despite years of unanswered prayer and relentless waiting for God to come through. It was evident that God was in the process of coming through, bit by bit in his timing. What seemed to be unrelieved waiting was simply part of her story, her testimony, that made her love for Jesus and his love for her shine all the more.

God holds on to his children with relentless, unshakable, steadfast love. Of this I am sure. The devil temps and condemns, but God's love stands sure. When I am tempted to doubt who God is, that his promises are true, that his love is personal... when I just don't understand his plan and his reasons... when I am tired of holding on, and when it would be easier to just forsake...  It is at this point that I discover I cannot. I cannot doubt and I cannot let go. Or maybe it's the other way around, that God just won't let go of me.

Maybe this is what they call the perseverance of the saints. Maybe this is really what it means to be in him, protected for eternity. It's not me holding on, it's God holding me. It's not my efforts, it's his sacrifice and victory. It's all him. He is holding me relentlessly.

I came across a new song last night. Tears welled up in my eyes because the words were honest and personal, touching me because the lyrics mirror my heart and reminded me that Jesus is always there. He hasn't forgotten, and his word stands sure. And his steadfast love holds on when my heart wavers.

(Listen here.) (This link was intended for one song only, but it appears music keeps playing. I don't know what's up with that, or what the other songs are!)

~Katherine