Chapter six of Hebrews talks about gaining a greater maturity of faith and also about having trust in God’s promises. The author writes,
“so that by two unchangeable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled for refuge might have strong encouragement to hold fast to the hope set before us. We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into the inner place behind the curtain, where Jesus has gone as a forerunner on our behalf, having become a high priest forever after the order of Melchizedek” (Hebrews 6:18-20, ESV).
The author wants the Hebrews to know that they can put their faith in God. Furthermore, it is good for me to remind myself of God’s promises, and the fact that He will keep them. God swore His promise to Abraham on His own name, the most powerful name that anyone can swear by. He did it so that future generations after Abraham could know that he truly meant what he said. God has made many promises, and he keeps all of them. The writer of Psalm 44 knew this when he expressed his sorrow to God over Israel’s oppression. He says,
“For not in my bow do I trust, nor can my sword save me. But you have saved us from our foes and have put to shame those who hate us” (Psalm 44: 6-7). Later he laments “You have made us a byword among the nations, a laughingstock among the peoples” (Psalm 44: 14, ESV).
However, he does not let the current state of Israel affect his faith in God. He cries out to Him and says,
“Rise up; come to our help! Redeem us for the sake of your steadfast love” (Psalm 44: 26, ESV).
This psalm is a good reflection of what faith in God looks like. Just as it is good for me to remind myself of God’s promises, it is also good for me to remember his steadfast love and faithfulness. Keeping these truths in my mind will help me to gain a greater maturity of faith, and a meaningful knowledge of God’s power.
Dear God, thank you for all the ways that You have blessed me in my life. Please help me to remain strong in faith and to remind myself of Your promises. Thank You that I can trust in You, just like the author of Psalms 44 who says “you have saved us from our foes.” In Jesus’s name I pray. Amen
Sixty-six books in a year 