Nevertheless

We spoke recently about how we need to trust God’s gift of forgiveness and new life through Jesus but how that needs to show itself in changed attitudes and behaviours.  Anything less and we are not actually living by faith.

So, as I look at the wanderings and stumbles in my own thinking and behaving I’m grateful for something else about God that is summed up in one word, “Nevertheless.”  Now we more often use the words, “In spite of …” “Anyway …” but the point is that when we don’t get it right God still remains committed to us and is willing to pick us up and take us forward.  Look at these examples from God’s Word.

After many good things God did to bring His people out of slavery they forgot about His goodness and complained and wandered away. When they got themselves in trouble we read these words:

Nevertheless He saved them for His name’s sake, That He might make His mighty power known.  Psalm 106:8

When people were seeking to live in the truth but it was being challenged by many others around them, God encouraged them with these words:

Nevertheless the solid foundation of God stands, having this seal: “The Lord knows those who are His.”  2 Timothy 2:19

In the face of injustice and horrible behaviour of people around, and sometimes their own sin, God’s people had a “nevertheless” choice of their own to make.

Nevertheless I am continually with You; You hold me by my right hand.  You will guide me with Your counsel, and afterward receive me to glory.  Psalm 73:23

God is committed to us through thick and thin. Name the circumstance and His “Nevertheless” will ring true as we call out to Him and put our trust in Him. 

What is your “nevertheless” set of circumstances today?  Is it a sense of your own failure you struggle with?  Is it what others say and do that has you wondering if God is still around? 

God is with us and will bring us out of our current distress to a brighter day if we will put aside our own doubts and fears and, even with a trembling heart, voice our own “Nevertheless, God, I’m continuing with You.”

Thank You God for your faithful love.  As the song reminds us, “Your love never fails, never gives up, never runs out on us.”  Help us to live in that unfailing love today no matter what we are facing. Amen

Can we just affirm this to God once more:

Nevertheless I am continually with You; You hold me by my right hand.  You will guide me with Your counsel, and afterward receive me to glory.  Psalm 73:23

Have a great day