Scripture
For I know that the Lord is great; our Lord is greater than all gods.
The Lord does whatever he pleases in heaven and on earth,
in the seas and all the depths.
He causes the clouds to rise from the ends of the earth.
He makes lightning for the rain
and brings the wind from his storehouses. (Psalm 135:5–7, CSB)
Thoughts
God is great. When the storm roars, the Lord is great. Through the drought, he is great. During the seasons of plenty, our God is great. In the valley, the Lord is great. On the mountain top, our God is great. When I’m broken, he is great.
How far does God’s greatness extend?
For your steadfast love is great to the heavens,
your faithfulness to the clouds. (Psalm 57:10, ESV)
So, let’s say it together:
May all who seek you rejoice and be glad in you!
May those who love your salvation
say evermore, “God is great!” (Psalm 70:4, ESV)
Application
During the trials in your relationships, are you trying to decide whether God is great? Or are you already believing that God is great? In the middle of a trial, if you haven’t already determined that God is great, you will really struggle. However, if you can learn to affirm the greatness of the Lord at all times, you will be helped and encouraged. Say this out loud or to yourself: I see my circumstance, but God is great. I’m hurting, but God is still great. I realize that this relationship is broken, but God is great.
Close friendships can be the same way. In the middle of a struggle with a good friend, you can either try to figure out if the person is your friend or you can say, I see this negative action, but they’re still my friend and I am committed to them. I feel the hurt, but I love this person no matter what.
And here’s a thought: You might feel that it is easier to affirm that God is still great in a hard circumstance than to affirm that you love someone who has hurt you. But trust me, if you want deep friendships, you must move beyond a moment-by-moment friendship into a firm relationship that’s based on persevering love.
Prayer
Lord, help me to believe and proclaim that you are great, no matter what my circumstances are. And then, help me to persevere in love for those around me, no matter what trials we are going through. . . Continue praying.