By Rev. Kevin Hon
“Great is Thy faithfulness!” This powerful affirmation instills courage and reassurance within believers, serving as a reminder of God’s steadfast love that accompanies us throughout our life’s journey.
The cherished hymn “Great Is Thy Faithfulness,” penned in 1923 by Thomas Obediah Chisholm, a minister who faced ill health and poverty, has stood the test of time, touching the hearts of countless individuals and echoing the deep-seated experience of God’s unyielding reliability. Its poignant lyrics convey the essence of this faith: “Great is Thy faithfulness, great is Thy faithfulness; morning by morning new mercies I see. All I have needed Thy hand hath provided; great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me.” This hymn serves as a beacon of hope, prompting us that even amid life’s chaotic storms and unpredictable changes, there exists a God who unwaveringly fulfills His promises and remains our Anchor. We perceive this in His covenant promises in ancient times through figures such as Noah, who saved humanity in the flood; Abraham, who received the promise of descendants and land; Joseph, who overcame betrayal to save his family; Moses, who delivered Israel from Egypt; and David, who was promised the covenant of a lasting dynasty despite his sins. These narratives illustrate God’s consistent loyalty, provision and deliverance, even when His people were faithless or faced impossible circumstances, culminating in His ultimate promise of Jesus.
As we stand at the cusp of a new year, we often find ourselves navigating a world rife with rising anxieties and uncertainties—global conflicts, pervasive diseases, social injustices, and daunting environmental crises. In such turbulent times, amid life’s frenetic pace, it is easy to feel engulfed by an avalanche of problems, mounting pressures, and seemingly insurmountable challenges. Consequently, our focus can narrow, fixating on the harsh realities unfolding around us, leading us to overlook the Creator’s profound power, who sovereignly governs all circumstances.
The words of Romans 1:20 resonate powerfully in this context: “For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—His eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.” God’s faithfulness weaves through the very tapestry of our existence; divine signs of His presence and grace encircle us, often going unnoticed as we search for clarity and understanding amid the chaos of life. Let us strive to open our hearts and minds to these unmistakable signs of His craftsmanship, recognizing that within every challenge, our God still stands and reigns. This awareness can foster a sense of awe and trust in His ongoing involvement in our lives.
The Scriptures resound with God’s faithfulness, conveying His unwavering love through various passages. The psalmist confidently expresses this in Psalm 89:1, “I will sing of the Lord’s great love forever; with my mouth I will make your faithfulness known through all generations.” Similarly, Psalm 100:5 proclaims, “For the Lord is good and His love endures forever; His faithfulness continues through all generations.” In the New Testament, 1 Corinthians 1:9 affirms, “God is faithful, who has called you into fellowship with His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.” Moreover, 1 Corinthians 10:13 assures us of His support, “And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.” Additionally, 1 John 1:9 highlights His just nature: “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins.” From these verses, we glean that God’s faithfulness is eloquently revealed through His covenant-keeping love, the fulfillment of His promises, His work of redemption and grace, and His complete trustworthiness.
Notably, it is crucial to understand that God’s faithfulness is not merely an objective truth; it is a profound quality that we are called to cultivate in our own lives. The transformative power of the Holy Spirit encourages us to mirror this divine faithfulness in our daily actions and interactions. As highlighted in Galatians 5:22-23, the fruit of the Spirit encompasses love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. These attributes work together to shape us into individuals who exemplify the unwavering commitment and reliability that God demonstrates toward us.
While embracing faithfulness is not just an expression of our beliefs, it is an invitation to grow into a more Christ-like character, fostering deeper connections with others, and living out faith with integrity. In doing so, we can inspire those around us and contribute to a community grounded in mutual trust and support.
In light of this, how should we respond to our faithful Lord?
First and foremost, we must cultivate a thankful heart by consistently acknowledging God’s work in every situation. In addition, we should approach challenges with unwavering trust, firmly believing that God’s promises never fail.
As we reflect on these truths, it is vital to recognize that the changing seasons of nature unfold beyond human control. Particularly during the Thanksgiving season in October, the bounty of the harvest and golden hues around us recall that gratitude is not merely about holiday sentiment; it is a profound reflection of our understanding of God’s faithfulness in every aspect of our lives. During this season, we are invited to return before our faithful Lord and commit anew to living a life that pleases God and carries meaningful purpose. Ultimately, what truly matters is not what we can accomplish but that, through our faithful God, we are empowered to live according to His will. This recognition can inspire a deep sense of gratitude and motivate us to live purposefully.
In April 2024, many people shared their experiences of watching the solar eclipse on social media, describing it as a once-in-a-lifetime event. On that day, I also waited at home for the moment to arrive, feeling both excited and, later, awed by the sheer scale and beauty of the celestial event. I was acutely aware of the limitation of humanity and the vastness of the universe, and this led me to express my reverence to the Lord as the psalmist: “O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!” (Psalm 8:9) At the same time, Scripture reminded me of our significance: “What is mankind that you are mindful of them, human beings that you care for them?” (Psalm 8:4) Indeed, after witnessing the solar eclipse, I was humbled as we face life’s challenges, how much we need God’s care.
Following the eclipse event, I also discovered that the busyness of life, and even of our ministry, could cause us to neglect to observe the magnificent beauty of the universe and all creation by our God, ELOHIM. It may also lead us to praise and worship only when life is smooth and progressing well. So I started to learn to lift my eyes to the sky, where the heavenly host is more often, whenever it was safe to do so. As I look in the deep blue sky, the gathering of thick clouds, the sunlight of morning, and the moonlight of night, intentionally looking at God’s marvellous works of creation—including the heavens, the moon, and the stars (Psalm 8:3), as well as the birds of the air and the flowers of the field (Matthew 6:26-29)—I am reminded that God is always present. He is the sovereign and faithful Lord, and He will not abandon us.
In today’s world, as God’s followers, the recipients of His grace and mercy, made possible through the death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ, this transformative act creates us anew in Him. And therefore, our expressions of praise and worship require continuous growth and renewal. Regardless of our circumstances, we are called to offer our worship to God; as such, we experience His unwavering faithfulness. Consequently, our lives of praise and worship—whether during Sunday services or in our daily routines—are not just fundamental practices; they are essential for every disciple of Christ.
The Apostle Paul, during times of suffering, reminded the Christians in Corinth to stay strong and hopeful and in encouraging others: “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. For just as we share abundantly in the sufferings of Christ, so also our comfort abounds through Christ” (2 Corinthians 1:3-5).
Through my ministry, I have been privileged to serve individuals and families facing a wide range of challenges. We give thanks to God for families and hold on to the hope that our loved ones, young and old, will follow Jesus’ teachings. Come and unite in family life; our shared worship is a vital source of strength, empowering us to confront any difficulties that come our way. Though the opportunity to witness the solar eclipse has passed, God’s role as our Father of compassion and comfort remains steadfast. He equips us with the strength to not only receive His comfort but also to share it with those who are suffering. This is a profound truth that everyone can experience in their lives. Therefore, let us humbly accept God’s comfort and, when we encounter those in need, be ready to act as instruments of His comfort. In doing so, we not only bring praise to our heavenly Father but also embody His faithful love as we serve others.
May we hold hearts of gratitude and trust, and throughout our lives experience and testify to this truth—Great is the Lord’s faithfulness!
Author Reference: Rev. Kevin Hon has served as the Senior Pastor of the Toronto Chinese Methodist Church for over 30 years, a tri-lingual and multi-generational church. He is firmly committed to nurturing disciples through pastoral and inter-generational opportunities. He is passionate about ministering to men and families. He enjoys running and walking.