Tag Archive | Faith

Steadfast

Sometimes when I’m reading a verse from Scripture, I land on a word and it adheres effortlessly to my spirit. The word will become so entangled in my thoughts that I can’t get it out of my head until I write about it. I like to think this is The Holy Spirit whispering to me, and not my inclination to over-analyze the English language.

My first stop is usually the dictionary or a well-used Thesaurus. I inspect the array of synonyms and marvel at the nuances of communication. We live in a world where words are often bandied about as if they are unimportant and can be erased or at least rearranged for our convenience. The truth that no dictionary or Thesaurus dares to impart is that words are powerful. Words communicate our thoughts. Our thoughts shape our actions.  Our actions reveal our hearts.
Steadfast is one of those words that leaves me pondering: Resolutely firm, unwavering, loyal, faithful, committed, steady. And there’s more: Immovable, solid, strong, trustworthy. And my hands-down favorite: Constant.  No human, no animal, nothing in this earthly realm can live up to these synonyms with perfection. Only our Father in Heaven was, is, and will forever be: Steadfast.
You are with me.
I wake hazily from a restless slumber,
Stumbling into the first few moments of life.
Steadfast
You are with me.
I walk through the door and receive a greeting from the animals You created,
Smiling at their undeserved adoration.
Steadfast
You are with me.
My husband pats his chair and invites me to sit close to him,
Basking in this love You formed between us.
Steadfast
You are with me.
I miss my children as I remember their childhoods,
Imagining their adult worlds- surrendering them to You.
Steadfast
You are with me.
I land on the thought that one day we will all lose people we love.
Cringing at this realization and turning to You.
Steadfast
You are with me.
I lay my head on the pillow,
Resting in Your embrace.
Steadfast
“But You are a God ready to pardon, gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great steadfast love.”  -Nehemiah 9:17