living loved

“But I have trusted in your steadfast love; my heart shall rejoice in your salvation. I will sing to the Lord, for he has been good to me.” – Psalm 13:5-6

All my life you have been faithful. All my life you have been so, so good. . . (Bethel Music)

This has been my anthem all week. This song has been the meditation of my heart in every random moment as I prepared to write. I knew God was leading me, and as I waited for the typical everyday life moment to occur (usually embarrassing) to blog and encourage others (through my embarrassment), he instead reminded me that he is always present, always good, and always leading (even when I fail to notice).

I had the privilege of leading a bible study this week. And as women gathered, I was delighted in the various age ranges of the women who attended. There were women from young adult/teen to those well-seasoned by life. As we studied, conversed, and discussed Psalm 13, I couldn’t help but notice and listen to the various seasons each woman was in. From figuring out next steps, to career changes, to taking care of kids and grandkids or aging parents and illness, each season in life was represented so well. But I also had the stark reminder of how difficult each season can be to learn to navigate and balance something new or to embrace something different or to feel stagnant and stuck – seasons can be long.

After that evening, I began to take an inventory of my own life and its seasons. As I reflected, the song of my heart and life emerged: all my life you have been faithful. All my life you have been so, so good… and the tears flowed. From struggling in my youth to finding the greatest love of my life (not the bearded beauty on this side of heaven, but the other (maybe) bearded beauty, Jesus) to children, and a miscarriage, to illness, to surprise babies, to losing my mum, to cohabitation in marriage and finding our love again, to teaching and leading to silence…each season has had purpose, challenges, change, and yet one thing remained the same: God’s steadfast (hesed) love. He did not abandon me. He did not forsake me. He did not leave me – not even once.

On life’s rollercoaster, I trusted in His steadfast love even when I questioned the love I gave and was given. I rejoiced in His salvation even when I knew I didn’t deserve it and in spite of how much I worked, I couldn’t earn it. I sang His praises even when my heart was broken in loss, doubt, and pity. He has dealt so bountifully with me.

As I reflected on each of life’s images above, I tried to remember the season and the difficulties and joy experienced through each one. But only one thing resonated: His love.

His steadfast love (hesed) remains.

Wherever you are right now and in whatever season, cling to His steadfast love. He sees you. He hears you. He will not leave you and He has not forgotten you. You are chosen. His love never fails.

All my life you have been faithful…

XOXO, Loni