But the steadfast love of the Lord
is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear Him,
and His righteousness to children’s children,
to those who keep His covenant
and remember to do His commandments.
Psalms 103:17 and 18
Such a beautiful promise! Perhaps words like these ‘…to children’s children’ particularly impact women’s hearts. Does this promise resonate in your heart like mine? I have one daughter…and by marriage to her…one son! And through their love for one another—four grandchildren! So ‘children’s children’ yes, that catches my eye…and my heart. I pray every day (just like you!) for the Lord’s love and His righteousness and His blessings to be upon my children and grandchildren. That they would always be under His protection and receiving His provision is very important to me. So as I read this promise, I pray, ‘Please, Lord! By Your grace, Lord!’
But whether you have children or not, the promise of His steadfast love is from everlasting to everlasting <FOREVER!> to every one who has the fear of the Lord. We play a part in these promises coming to pass, y’know. Many, many, many of God’s promises have a stipulation attached. God’s people have something to do to receive the promises that He makes to them. It is kind of like when I promise my grandchildren, “Okay now, when the playroom is cleaned up we are going to the library.” I have promised…but they have something to do, too.
According to these verses, the steadfast, everlasting love of our Lord is on those who fear Him (so that’s one thing we need to do). And His righteousness carries over to our children’s children who obey His commandments (another thing we have the responsibility to do).
God’s heart to bless and care for His people’s lives is incredible! He always wants to do good for those who love Him. And He is faithful!
And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.
Romans 8:28
Do you remember the message that Moses gave to the Israelites after delivering God’s Ten Commandments to them? (Deuteronomy 5 and 6)
These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts.
Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home
and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.
Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads.
Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates.
Deuteronomy 6:6-9
So we teach all the children in our lives about loving God with their whole heart, soul, mind, and all their strength. We help them to grow in their understanding of how great our God is, and to have a worshipful fear of His AWEsomeness. We impress upon them the right way to ‘walk’ with God, and to love everyone around them. We teach them about Jesus and all that God has made available through Him and how they, too, can make Him Lord of their lives. And we—they and we—will be blessed with the promises of God!
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Dear Lord, oh how much comfort it brings to our hearts to know of Your promises…not only to us but to our loved ones! You are so very good to us! We trust and have confidence knowing that You are faithful to do what You say You are going to do; please help us to remember we have our part to do also. Our desire is to obey You, trust You, have godly fear…and love You. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Coleen, thank you for this beautiful devotional this morning. I too love verses like today’s that speaks of God’s love for my children and their children and right on down the line. I realize that they, like me, have a responsibility to submit to Him, reverence Him, and obey Him. Therefore, I pray for them and teach them just as you do for yours. I don’t want one of them to miss out on experiencing the Love of the Lord in their lives! I’m so thankful that I have such a confidence in God that I have no hesitation sharing with and praying over my children and grandchildren, because I know that I know His promises are true and His love is steadfast for all who fear Him.
amen, amem, amen! <3