American Heritage Dictionary defines ‘faithful” as adhering firmly and devotedly, as to a person, cause or idea; loyal. Years ago, loyalty and truthfulness was the measuring stick of the depth of a man’s character. Reputation wasn’t built on a person’s charisma and ability to weave fantastic tales of deceit, but reputation was built on the faithfulness of a man.
It used to be that a man’s handshake sealed a deal or promise and his handshake was as strong and binding as any lawyer inspired contract of today. My parents and grandparents generation believed with all their might that: “A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches” (Proverbs 22:1). Promises were not made lightly back then. That’s one reason for the low number of divorce rates at that time. Your word was binding.
Our world has definitely changed. Corporations scurried about in the 90s, demanding employees to attend seminars that advanced the new attitude of employers…they said, “It’s changing and you’ve got to adapt” and, “ We don’t value loyalty anymore…it’s all about production.”
Knowledge in information technology and science has exploded. With this explosion of knowledge, we’ve been expected to go with the flow, adapt and change with the times in not only our acceptance of new technologies, but we’re also expected to change our beliefs.
Look around, people have embraced change. Our president was even elected based on his campaign message of a promised change.
A lie isn’t made any prettier just because the liar smiles charmingly while they’re telling you a whopper. It’s still an ugly lie that will prevent you from trusting them in the future. But somebody out there wanted change.
What or who has our nation been trusting in? Has it been our corrupt government or maybe it was your 401K that magically disappeared? It’s not a good feeling to build your hopes on sinking sand. It’s like being in the ocean and the water is waist high and all of the sudden you feel an undercurrent, the sand shifts under your feet and then you’re paddling to keep your head above water.
This message is for those who feel like the sand is shifting under their feet. I’ve been reading blogs commenting about various articles on the Internet. Some good ‘ole boy said that he was packing his shotgun and he would be okay. In fact, gun and ammunition sales have soared since Obama was elected. So, there must be a bunch of people out there who are trusting in their guns. I read one blog where the person commented that he lives in a rural area and would be okay because he could grow his own food.
It sounds logical to put a certain amount of trust in your weapons or your ability to live off the land. But all of these things are temporal. There might come a day when your guns are confiscated. There might come a day when you can’t grow your own food because the soil may be contaminated with radiation.
There is absolutely nothing in this world that you can put your trust in. It will all change before your eyes and your hopes will be nothing but dust in the wind. What is the answer then? Is there anything or anyone that you can trust? When I see my world falling apart, is there any hope? Friend, I’m here to tell you some good news.
Deuteronomy 7:9 says, “Know therefore that the Lord thy God, he is God, the faithful God, which keepeth covenant and mercy with them that love him and keep his commandments to a thousand generations.”
Strong’s Hebrew and Greek Dictionary defines faithful as ‘permanent.” In Matthew, chapter seven, Jesus tells a parable concerning two men, one who builds his house upon the sand and one who builds his house upon a rock. Jesus is that Rock. Hebrews 13:8 states that Jesus Christ is “the same yesterday, and today, and forever.” Almighty God is the only one in whom you can completely trust. He is faithful, loyal, permanent; the same yesterday, today and forever. Put your trust in Him because He is trustworthy. This old gospel hymn emphasizes the need to build your hopes on the eternal:
Hold to God’s Unchanging Hand
Time is filled with swift transition,
Naught of earth unmoved can stand,
Build your hopes on things eternal,
Hold to God’s unchanging hand!
Hold to God’s unchanging hand!
Hold to God’s unchanging hand!
Build your hopes on things eternal,
Hold to God’s unchanging hand!
Father, strengthen the hands of Your children. Give them grace so that they may be a light in this dark and dying world. Let Your love flow through our lives so that we may love others as You have loved us. Give us Your peace that surpasses all understanding. Help us to not be astonished because of the wickedness around us. But let us be witnesses of Your glory.