Timeless Love

This past weekend, I attended my first wedding ever – that of this sister of one of my best friends from elementary school. As a lover of wedding shows (Say Yes to the Dress anyone?), I was completely thrilled to see all of the beautiful flowers, dresses, and cakes, and let’s face it, I love a good engagement story. My favorite part of the weekend though, more than all of the wedding festivities, was being able to catch up with my elementary school friend. Not only had we been classmates since pre-K, but we had also attended a Christian summer camp together for about 10 years. As my friend and I reminisced, I could not help but think about my first encounters with Christ in my childhood. I remembered my awe at God’s creation, my prayers to Him about little concerns, and my complete trust in His ability to keep me safe. What struck me most, however, was the God’s timeless and constant for me.

Despite how much I’ve changed since I was a little girl, God’s love for me has been constant. When I have stumbled in following God, God’s love for me has been constant. As I have grown closer to Christ, God’s love for me has been constant. If I become an old forgetful woman who can’t remember other’s names or where I left my car keys, God’s love for me will still be constant. Such faithful love is certainly radical by human standards!

Thinking about God’s radical, constant love drew me to Psalm 71:

But as for me, I will always have hope;
I will praise you more and more.
My mouth will tell of your righteousness,
of your salvation all day long,
though I know not its measure.
I will come and proclaim your mighty acts, O Sovereign LORD;
I will proclaim your righteousness, yours alone.
Since my youth, O God, you have taught me,
and to this day I declare your marvelous deeds.
Even when I am old and gray,
do not forsake me, O God,
till I declare your power to the next generation,
your might to all who are to come.
Your righteousness reaches to the skies, O God,
you who have done great things.
Who, O God, is like you?
Though you have made me see troubles, many and bitter,
you will restore my life again;
from the depths of the earth
you will again bring me up.
You will increase my honor
and comfort me once again.
I will praise you with the harp
for your faithfulness, O my God;
I will sing praise to you with the lyre,
O Holy One of Israel
Psalm 71: 14-22

I love the idea of growing older and having more and more to praise God about! God’s constant love for us also challenges us. Do I love others as they grow older and change? Can I consistently love and support someone through their highs and lows? Luckily, we have Christ’s faithful love to sustain us as we strive for this goal!