[From series Advent Calendar Countdown]
Here is your confession (in red) for today. I encourage you to read it out loud as faith comes from hearing the word of God.
The Lord is good. His lovingkindness is everlasting. I will not fear. The Lord has helped me. His lovingkindess is everlasting. The Lord is my strength and my song. The Lord has become my salvation. His lovingkindness is everlasting. As the Lord’s righteous (see 2 Cor 5:21), sounds of joyful shouting and salvation are in my tents. The right hand of the Lord does valiantly in my life. The right hand of the Lord is exalted. His lovingkindness is everlasting. *I will not die, but live, and tell of the works of the Lord.* His lovingkindness is everlasting.
(based on Psalm 118:1-18)
Two words jumped out at me from today’s confession — lovingkindness and everlasting.
The Hebrew word for “lovingkindness” is Strongs 2617 “chaeced.” It means goodness, kindness, faithfulness, and sometimes mercy. Yet these definitions fall short if they do not include God as a loyal covenant keeper.
Oh, what a blessing for us! We can COUNT on our Father to keep his covenant with Jesus Christ! (see Hebrews 6:13) He will not let us down! Ever!
This glorious truth points to the second word Father illuminated — “everlasting.” Its meaning includes ideas such as a long-duration, everlasting, forever, and permanent.
Friends, we have all had “permanent” fail in our lives. Think of the glue that doesn’t hold up despite the guarantee. Our bank balances. Loved ones who leave. The numbers on the scale. The desired address. Health. Even natural life.
Here today — gone tomorrow. All of it.
Except for Jesus Christ.
As people created for Eden, we find ourselves in a natural world that can never satisfy the deep longings of our souls. We were made to drink in the everlasting lovingkindess of a Wonderful Counselor who will never leave us or fail us.
So, enjoy this season. The family. The parties. The friends. The festivities. The presents. All the things. Really, drink it all in. It's beautiful and good.
But let's remember together that behind it all is the endearing promise of faithfulness found in the person of Jesus Christ!
_____
Aleisha
* I debated whether or not to include the "I will live, and not die" portion of Psalm 118. I can almost hear, "Man sakes, girl. Why would you include something like that in a Christmas/Advent confession?" But then the Lord showed me that someone reading these words needed to hear it. If this person is you, feel free to reach out to me in the comments or privately. You are not alone!
** Please share this confession of hope with someone during this Christmas season. Thank you!
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