Daily Thought for Tuesday 11th March 2025
“I call on you, my God, for you will answer me; turn your ear to me and hear my prayer. Show me the wonders of your great love, you who save by your right hand those who take refuge in you from their foes.” Psalm 17:6-7
Faithfulness provides hope
Fan Heafield
My school’s motto was ‘Loyalty without Reproach’. As a five-year-old this seemed very confusing and difficult and whilst loyalty and faithfulness are related ideas there are big differences. The word ‘loyalty’ is often associated with actions and morals and can be one-sided, whereas ‘faithfulness’ is seen as a personality trait that can lead to a deeper connection and intimacy. Being faithful strengthens relationships and ensures trust is built.
My school taught me to try to be honest, supportive and respectful – a big ask for anyone; but it also meant, in the context of daily life at school that we had to side with the school no matter what and without baring a grudge. In Psalm 17 we are asked to consider our “foes” and those who do things to hurt us. It speaks of those with “callous hearts” and those who are like “a lion hungry for prey. The most frightening part seems to me verse 11: “They have tracked me down, they now surround me, with eyes alert, to throw me to the ground”. But at the end of the psalm there is total certainty that God will be with the psalmist, and he will be “satisfied”. The last line offers a view of something much more than loyalty but rather an understanding of our need to be faithful even in times of great trouble. A faithfulness to God who will always be faithful in his promises to us and will be there with us each day.
For me, faithfulness also carries with it hope and love – a more straightforward plan for living as God wants us to.
Shall we pray?:
Heavenly Father, without you, I cannot face the difficulties, trouble and pain I face in the world. I need you to lift me in your arms and restore my faith and hope. Bring me the strength I need to survive and to carry on your will. I trust in you, Lord, and your will is mine. Amen.
Thinking it through.
How can we possibly remain faithful when there are so many problems all around us?
Have you doubted God’s love and faithfulness? What do you need to do to restore your faith?
What does it mean to have a deeper connection and intimacy with God?
Fan Heafield was brought up in a Church of Scotland manse. Whilst always having God in her life it was renewed and given greater presence in the last ten years. She is currently Convenor of the Presbytery of Lothian & Borders’ Congregational Support Committee and a member of FAPLT