Day 8: Forever Faithful
WEEK 2
Psalm 41:13
I have an impossible question today. What lasts longer—forever or everlasting?
I assume that this question might not have surprised you as much as it did me when my brain mustered it up, but truthfully, I think of this question every single time I read Psalm 41, Galatians 6, Romans 6, or the famous John 3:16.
I assume this question is impossible because both words indicate no ending.
I remember sitting in my AP physics class and thinking “Man, this class is going to last . . . forever,” when in fact it was approximately 45 minutes long and would end as soon as the school bell rang. I also remember playing dodgeball in physical education. It felt like it only lasted two and a half seconds, but it actually lasted the exact same amount of time my AP physics class (though if I had it my way, phys-ed class would be . . . everlasting).
I have now come to realize this: my current mindset dictates the appropriateness in applying the choice between “forever” or “everlasting.” As we look at David’s words in Psalm 41:13, he illustrates to readers that God will be blessed from “everlasting to everlasting.” In other words, God will be forever or infinitely blessed. This seems to indicate that if everlasting did somehow end, God would still be blessed. Reading the 12 verses prior to Psalm 41 will tell us that God’s eternal faithfulness to the reader is why He makes this declaration.
Reflection Prayer
Dear God, I praise You because, unlike the trials and tribulations in my life, You will remain. This gives me the peace of mind I need to go through my everyday life. I thank You because Your love is everlasting, and You have and will lavish that love upon me in abundance. God, I repent from the times my earthly mindset altered my understanding of who You are and what You are capable of doing through and for me. I thank You that no matter what my mindset is, You keep Your promise to be forever faithful to me. Amen.
Week 2: The Eternality and Unchangeableness of God
This week, we journey into the timeless nature of our Almighty Creator who exists beyond the constraints of time. His character remains steadfast and unwavering throughout eternity. We are reminded that every good and perfect gift originates from God, and His faithfulness endures forever. Jesus Christ, the Alpha and Omega, stands as a constant presence throughout time, unchanged from yesterday to today and into eternity. As we meditate on these foundational truths, our prayers are rooted in the unchanging character of our eternal God. Draw comfort, confidence, and hope from His immutable nature as we lift our hearts to Him in prayer.
— Scott Wakeley