steadfast

Searching the Bible today because this word keeps coming up in my life, I discovered something interesting. Nearly every time that the word "steadfast" is used in the Old Testament, it is followed by the word "love" - describing the steadfast love of God. Particularly in the Psalms, where it is used so very many times, it is "steadfast love", and in all but a handful of the other places in the Old Testament as well.

In the New Testament, however, it is used not to describe God but rather to describe what is expected of us. It is actionable and also used often as "steadfastness" - a quality that God desires of us.

But here is the thing -- God, as a good Father, never expects something of us that He is not. It is out of His steadfast love that steadfastness is produced in us. We cannot hold on by ourselves all the time - but when we cannot hold on, He is holding on to us. And it is out of Who He is and what He does that we can remain in Him steady and unmovable, firm in our faith and trust.

I start the day, the war begins, endless reminding of my sin

And time and time again Your truth is drowned out by the storm I'm in

Today, I feel like I'm just one mistake away from You leavin' me this way

Jesus, can You show me just how far the east is from the west?

'Cause I can't bear to see the man I've been come rising up in me again

In the arms of Your mercy I find rest

'Cause You know just how far the east is from the west

From one scarred hand to the other

I know You've washed me white, turned my darkness into light

I need Your peace to get me through, to get me through this night

I can't live by what I feel, but by the truth Your Word reveals

I'm not holdin' on to You, but You're holdin' on to me

-East to West, Casting Crowns