I’m in a long-distance relationship. Now, I know that anyone who recognises my name will say, ‘Nat, you’re married and living with your husband. You’re not in a long-distance relationship anymore.’
True. But we were, and we still are. But this isn’t about us. I’m talking about what should be the most worthwhile, sought after, invested into relationship anyone could have. Are you catching my drift?
I’m in a long distance with my God and Saviour. Much like my human relationship with my now husband, I rely on messages, whispers and faith to keep me growing closer to Him. Still, I find it fascinating that while most people consider it perfectly reasonable to be in a long-distance relationship with another person- a flawed, sinful human -somehow people find it ridiculous and hard to put their faith in the Author and Perfector of our faith, the Creator of love. Love Himself. And it’s not like He hasn’t proven himself over and over again as a faithful Friend and Partner. The Word is full of reminders of who He is:
Your steadfast love, O Lord, extends to the heavens, Your faithfulness to the clouds. Psalm 36:5
The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness.
Lamentations 3:22-23
I’m a complete and utter word nerd and love looking up the etymology of different words we use every day. But notice here a word we don’t often hear, so I wouldn’t be surprised if we weren’t completely sure of its meaning. Steadfast.
Stead; a noun from the Old English stede meaning ‘… standing, firmness, stability…’
Fast; an adjective from the Old English fæst meaning ‘firmly fixed, constant; secure… solid’
I don’t know about you but I’m thinking that the authors of these verses want to reassure us that God’s love for us is firmly fixed, immovable, constant and stable. How many of us have witnessed or been in unstable relationships? Have gone through breakups and heartbreaks? God’s love is steadfast. It doesn’t change. He’s the most stable relationship we’ve got and ever will have. Check this out:
If we are faithless, He remains faithful, for He cannot deny Himself.
2 Timothy 2:13
You, Lord, are forgiving and good, abounding in love to all who call to You.
Psalm 86:5
His work is perfect, for all His ways are just; a God of faithfulness and without injustice, righteous and upright is He.
Deuteronomy 32:4
The Lord is gracious and merciful; slow to anger and great in lovingkindness.
Psalm 145:8
Yes, it’s a long-distance relationship. Yes, it isn’t easy. And yes, you’ll need to invest into it. But oh the worth of it. To be called His, when He returns to take us home; to be reunited with our One True Love. Love Himself. Absence makes the heart grow fonder, and I can’t wait to be with Him.
AUTHOR: Natalie Moore, attends Launceston SDA Church.