I want to start with the words from Lamentations 3:22,23 (ESV): The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.
So, the question is: What is faithfulness?
It is a “doing” word.
An original definition of faithfulness in the late 14th Century puts it this way: ‘confidence in a person or thing with reference to truthfulness or reliability’; also ‘fidelity of one spouse to the other’.
A Thesaurus definition spells this out in more detail: ‘Lasting loyalty and trustworthiness in relationships, especially marriage and friendship; the fact or quality of being true to one’s word or commitments, as to what one has pledged to do, or what one professes to believe; the fact or quality of being dedicated and steadfast in performing one’s duty, working for a cause; the quality of adhering to fact, a standard, or an original; and with accuracy’.
I think of many ways in my life that I have been guided by my understanding of and commitment to a faithful application of my gifts and abilities. Whether it was during my school days, or being involved in youth activities, or my years in the work force prior to my marriage, or being a mother of four children and now a grandmother, a faithful application in each role was important to me. In addition, supporting my husband, Wally, in his service to the Lord provided me with further opportunities to faithfully serve the Lord in ways such as women’s fellowship activities in various parish locations and later also on a state level.
In addition, I volunteered in roles at schools, kindergartens, and aged care facilities, just to name a few examples. I think also of the many hours of time spent time learning new hymns and songs, together with other people in choirs or singing groups.
Later in life, I took up the challenge of tertiary study for a Library Information Services Diploma which provided me with more opportunities to use my gifts and talents. All of this has given me joy and strength as I have committed my life in the service of my Lord.
In life, we often go about our daily business without really thinking of gifts we have been given through Christ our Lord and Saviour. God’s faithfulness flows from his grace and it is available to each one of us.
This brings me to the song written by Edith McNeill included in All Together Again book:
The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases,
his mercies never come to an end.
They are new ev’ry morning; new ev’ry morning,
great is thy faithfulness, O Lord,
great is thy faithfulness.
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