God’s Faithfulness Remains

As I have been studying the faithfulness of God throughout the Psalms, I had an “ahha” moment when I came to my “reading through the Bible in a year” devotional and found the same theme woven throughout Solomon’s prayer at the dedication of the temple.

In 1 Kings 8 and 2 Chronicles 6, Solomon stands before the nation of Israel and recounts God’s faithfulness to His covenant promises. He looks back on God’s dealings with Israel—from His promises to Abraham, to the Exodus, to His covenant with David—and declares that God has kept His word.

The focus of Solomon’s prayer is God’s covenant relationship with Israel, but it also reminds us of an unchanging truth about God’s character: He is faithful.

Don and I had the privilege of visiting Israel in 2023. Standing near the Western Wall (pictured), I was reminded that these biblical events are rooted in real history. The Western Wall is the remaining retaining wall of the Temple Mount, the site where Solomon’s Temple once stood and where the Second Temple was later built. It is often called the “Wailing Wall” because for centuries Jewish people have gathered there to mourn—or wail over—the destruction of the temple and to pray for God’s mercy and restoration.

Though Solomon’s Temple is long gone, God’s faithfulness remains.

Generations come and go. Kingdoms rise and fall. Buildings are built and destroyed. Yet the God who faithfully kept His promises to Israel has not changed. As the psalmist declares:

“For the LORD is good and His love endures forever; His faithfulness continues through all generations.” Psalm 100:5

What encouraged Solomon, strengthened Israel, and comforted the psalmists still encourages believers today: our God is faithful.