Deuteronomy 7:9—”Know therefore that the Lord your God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commandments.”
How do you feel today? Think about it. If someone asked you what’s going on with you; how are you doing? What would you reply? OK now, take a minute. Pause. Think of all your various replies. Pause. What was your most common response? Being a believer we wouldn’t have much to complain about and we would say “we are doing well/fine/great/blessed by the grace of God.
Why did we say this 10/10 times? Realistically, 9 times out of 10? Do you mean that we believers never fall ill, never have problems, never feel low or downcast, or never feel depressed or lonely? On the contrary, believers do fall ill even with destructive diseases, or serious ailments. Believers have all had their own share of problems of various kinds many times in their lives. And yes sometimes, believers also do get lonely or downcast maybe at their workplace, shared accommodation, etc. But there is one difference. Believers will not be low or depressed. In fact the ‘joy of the Lord’ is our strength. Whatever we go through, our Lord Jesus is with us. If we ask in faith and if it is God’s plan, our Father God will heal us in His time. Trials and tribulations are allowed by God so that we get stronger and are made ready for the purpose God has in store for us. So, if we are fine but complacent, we will get the right situation to prove our maturity or to learn it.
How are we different from unbelievers?
Do the unbelievers get hope, support, strength, or peace when they go through trials? What is their source for this, if they do? Do they have anyone to stand by their side without leaving them at all, like we have our Lord Jesus? If they hate God, it is said that “he will repay to their face by destruction; he will not be slow to repay to their face those who hate him” (Deuteronomy 7:10)
But to those who love Him; and who keep God’s commands, decrees, and laws; the Lord God is their faithful God. He keeps his covenant of love (unconditional and unending love) to them for a thousand generations!! (Deuteronomy 7:9,11) Yes, it is not easy to keep the commands or to obey the Word. But when you love someone so deeply, you will want to please that person by doing what they like, in this case God’s will. Further, as always, our Father gives us back in abundance – His covenant of love will last with us for 1000 generations!! That is God’s math, abundance – an abundance of love!!
