The Everlasting Promise: A Christian Mom's Guide to Finding Strength in Scripture
I have had two refrigerators since moving into the house I am currently in. My mother on the other hand currently has one that is over 20 years old.
I do not think I am exaggerating when I say that things do not last as long as they used to.
Not furniture, not appliances, not microwaves.
Oh wait, my KitchenAid mixer has lasted longer than my refrigerators. HA!
It's interesting how we struggle with the concept of 'everlasting' in our modern world. We live in a time of constant upgrades and replacements - from our smartphones to our cars. Everything seems to have an expiration date or a newer model waiting around the corner.
This makes it even more remarkable when we consider God's everlasting nature. Unlike our temporary possessions, He doesn't need an upgrade, doesn't wear out, and never becomes obsolete. Isn't that a comforting thought?
Think about it - in a world where we're constantly chasing the next best thing, we have something - someone - who remains unchanged and unchanging. That's what makes Isaiah 9:6 so powerful...
For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.
Isaiah 9:6
In this world it may be hard to understand and trust everlasting.
But before we get too deep let's make sure we know what it is referring to. What does it mean for Jesus to be our Everlasting Father?
Everlasting Father in regard to Jesus refers to his relationship with time. It speaks to the fact that Jesus is eternal.
As a member of the Trinity He has the same attributes of God who we know is also eternal and forever.
So when we think of our everlasting Father we can be comforted with knowing he is, was and will be.
Psalm 41:13
Blessed be the Lord God of Israel from everlasting, and to everlasting. Amen, and Amen.
Psalm 90:2
Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever thou hadst formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, thou art God.
Isaiah 40:28
Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? there is no searching of his understanding.
Jeremiah 10:10
But the Lord is the true God, he is the living God, and an everlasting king: at his wrath the earth shall tremble, and the nations shall not be able to abide his indignation.
When we're feeling overwhelmed by the temporary nature of everything around us, isn't it reassuring to know that we have a Father who stands outside of time? He's not bound by our earthly limitations or our understanding of time. While we're replacing our appliances and updating our devices, He remains constant - the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8).
This isn't just a theological concept - it's a practical comfort and an everlasting promise for our daily lives. When everything feels like it's changing too fast, when nothing seems to last, we can anchor ourselves in the truth that our God is everlasting. He's not a temporary solution or a quick fix - He's our eternal rock and foundation."
He is our Everlasting Promise.
Not only is He everlasting but His kingdom is also.
Everlasting Kingdom
Psalm 145:13
Thy kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and thy dominion endureth throughout all generations
Daniel 4:3
How great are his signs! and how mighty are his wonders! his kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and his dominion is from generation to generation.
2 Peter 1:11
For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
I just wanted to throw in the other everlastings that apply to our Triune God.
Isaiah 26:4
Trust ye in the Lord for ever: for in the Lord Jehovah is everlasting strength:
Isaiah 60:19
The sun shall be no more thy light by day; neither for brightness shall the moon give light unto thee: but the Lord shall be unto thee an everlasting light, and thy God thy glory.
Deuteronomy 33:27
The eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms: and he shall thrust out the enemy from before thee; and shall say, Destroy them.
Psalm 119:142
Thy righteousness is an everlasting righteousness, and thy law is the truth.
Isn't it amazing to think about? While earthly kingdoms rise and fall (and we've seen plenty of those throughout history!), God's kingdom stands forever. In a world where even the strongest nations eventually decline, we belong to a kingdom that will never end. That's not just good news - that's the best news!
Think about how this changes our perspective on current events. When the news feels overwhelming or the world seems chaotic, we can take a deep breath and remember: we're citizens of an everlasting kingdom. Our true homeland isn't subject to economic downturns or political upheaval.
In another blog post I talked about how there are themes throughout the bible and in following them we get a deeper understanding of our Father and his words to us. This is the theme Everlasting. When God repeats something it is on purpose so when we find repetition I am always intrigued.
We can be comforted in knowing that while he is was and will be he also knows and in the knowing of all things He is going before us.
While I believe it is important to know that He is everlasting, because we are his children there are some perks (inheritance) that we have also.
What do we have that is everlasting?
Everlasting life
Matthew 19:29
And every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name's sake, shall receive an hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life.
John 3:16
For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that everyone who believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.
John 3:36
He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.
John 4:14
But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.
John 5:24
Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.
You know those moments when you're stuck in traffic, or dealing with a difficult coworker, or facing yet another broken appliance? Those are perfect times to remind ourselves that this isn't our forever home. Sometimes I have to smile when I'm having 'one of those days' because I remember - this is temporary, but our real life, our everlasting life, is permanent and perfect.
It's like having a really long layover in an airport. Sure, we might get uncomfortable or frustrated, but we know this isn't our final destination. Our eternal ticket has already been purchased by Christ's sacrifice.
Everlasting consolation
2 Thessalonians 2:16
Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself, and our God and Father, who has loved us and given us everlasting consolation and good hope by grace,
2 Corinthians 1:3-4
Blessed be 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 have received from God.
Have you ever noticed how human comfort, while wonderful, has its limits? A friend's hug, a parent's advice, or even professional counseling can help, but God's consolation goes deeper and lasts longer. It's like the difference between a battery-powered flashlight and the sun - one will eventually run out, but the other keeps shining.
When God consoles us, He does it with the perspective of eternity. He knows our past, present, and future, and His comfort isn't just for today - it's everlasting. That's why we can face tomorrow with hope, no matter what today looks like
Everlasting Covenant
Why does it matter that we have an everlasting covenant with God? Covenant can mean several things but we always look to the biblical meaning.
Covenant simplified are the promises of God that require certain terms by his people.
Did you know that covenant is a synonym for testament? So the New Testament is the New Covenant. The New testament is due to the new covenant Jesus says at the last supper Matthew 26:28 (amp) for this is My blood of the [new and better] covenant, which [ratifies the agreement and] is being poured out for many [as a substitutionary atonement] for the forgiveness of sins .
Hebrews 13:20-21
Now may the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
Ezekiel 37:26
And I will make a covenant of peace with them; it will be an everlasting covenant. I will establish them and multiply them, and I will set My sanctuary among them forever.
Jeremiah 32:40
I will make an everlasting covenant with them: I will never turn away from doing good to them, and I will put My fear in their hearts, so that they will never turn away from Me.
Isaiah 55:3
Incline your ear, and come unto me: hear, and your soul shall live; and I will make an everlasting covenant with you, even the sure mercies of David
Think about the contracts and promises we make in our daily lives - rental agreements, warranties, even marriage vows. As binding as these are, they're still limited by our human nature and mortality. But God's covenant? It's different. It's not a contract that needs renewal or a warranty that expires. It's an everlasting promise from the One who exists outside of time itself.
When I'm feeling uncertain about God's promises (and yes, we all have those moments!), I remember that His covenant doesn't depend on my perfect performance or unwavering faith. It depends on His unchanging character and everlasting faithfulness
Everlasting Mercy
Mercy my goodness I need it!
Mercy is referring to God’s willingness to stay in covenant with us even as we are disobedient and rebellious. Did you know that while we receive it from God we are also to show it?
Psalm 103:17
But the mercy of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him, and his righteousness unto children's children;
Psalm 100:5
For the Lord is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.
Isaiah 54:8
In a little wrath I hid my face from thee for a moment; but with everlasting kindness will I have mercy on thee, saith the Lord thy Redeemer
Oh, how we need this truth in our lives! You know those days when you've messed up (again), when you feel like you've disappointed God (again), when you wonder how He could possibly still love you? That's when we need to grasp hold of this beautiful truth: His mercy isn't just for yesterday's mistakes or today's struggles - it's everlasting.
It's like having an unlimited gift card to the store of God's grace. No matter how many times we need to 'make a purchase,' it never runs out. Isn't that incredible? In a world where everything has limits, God's mercy knows none.
Everlasting Joy
Isaiah 35:10
And the ransomed of the LORD shall return, and come to Zion with songs and everlasting joy upon their heads: they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.
Isaiah 61:7
For your shame ye shall have double; and for confusion they shall rejoice in their portion: therefore in their land they shall possess the double: everlasting joy shall be unto them.
Isaiah 51:11
Therefore the redeemed of the LORD shall return, and come with singing unto Zion; and everlasting joy shall be upon their head: they shall obtain gladness and joy; and sorrow and mourning shall flee away.
Let's be honest - joy can be hard to hold onto in this world. One minute we're up, the next we're down. Our happiness often depends on our circumstances, our health, our relationships, or even something as simple as the weather! But God offers us something different - a joy that isn't based on our situation but on His everlasting nature.
This everlasting joy doesn't mean we'll always feel happy (we won't!), but it does mean we have a deep, unshakeable foundation of joy that circumstances can't touch. It's like having an underground spring of joy that keeps flowing even when the surface of our lives feels dry and dusty
Can I say one of my favorite everlasting is found in Jeremiah 31:3. Where God lets us know that He loves us with an everlasting love.
Isn’t that just everything. When I have disobeyed again I have asked for confirmation again I have doubted again, I have questioned again. Unlike humans God will not stop loving me. His love continues past my mistakes, missteps and mishandling of his gifts or blessings.
Jeremiah 31:3
The Lord hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee.
Why Does All This 'Everlasting' Talk Really Matter?
Let's get real for a moment. In a world of 30-year mortgages, 2-year phone contracts, and 90-day warranties, why should we care about something everlasting? Well, friend, this might just change everything about how you live your daily life.
You see, understanding God's everlasting nature isn't just about theology - it's about transforming our perspective on everything.
When we truly grasp that we're part of something eternal, it changes how we:
Handle Today's Problems
Remember that broken refrigerator I mentioned? When we understand that we're part of God's everlasting plan, suddenly our temporary troubles look different. Yes, that bill still needs to be paid, but we can face it with the peace of knowing our true treasure isn't in our bank account or our possessions.
Make Our Decisions
Think about it - when we're focused only on this world, we might chase after things that rust, break, or become outdated (Matthew 6:19-20). But when we live with eternity in mind, our priorities shift. Maybe that bigger house or newer car isn't as important as investing in relationships or serving others.
View Our Purpose
We're not just living for the weekend or retirement - we're living for eternity! This means every act of kindness, every moment of patience, every decision to choose love over anger is building something that lasts forever. As Paul reminds us in 2 Corinthians 4:17-18, 'For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.'
Face Our Struggles
Those difficult seasons that feel like they'll never end? In light of eternity, they're just temporary chapters in a much bigger story. This doesn't minimize our pain, but it does give us hope - what we're going through isn't the end of the story.
Here's the beautiful truth: We weren't made for temporary things. That restless feeling we get, that sense that there must be more to life? It's because we were created for eternity. As C.S. Lewis once said, 'If I find in myself desires which nothing in this world can satisfy, the only logical explanation is that I was made for another world.'
So when we're tempted to:
- Stress about our earthly security
- Worry about temporary setbacks
- Focus too much on material success
- Get caught up in fleeting trends
We can pause and remember: We're children of the Everlasting God, heirs to an everlasting kingdom, recipients of everlasting love, and participants in an everlasting covenant.
This world, with all its troubles and triumphs, is just the preface to our real story. Every choice we make here ripples into eternity. That's why Paul reminds us in Galatians 6:8 that when we sow to the Spirit, we reap everlasting life.
The most practical way to live isn't to focus all our energy on making this temporary life as comfortable as possible. Instead, it's to live like citizens of an everlasting kingdom - investing in what lasts forever:
- Relationships that honor God
- Actions that show His love
- Choices that reflect His character
- Service that builds His kingdom
Remember, we're not just living for today, tomorrow, or even next year. We're living for forever. And while we might need to replace our appliances every few years, our relationship with our everlasting God will never wear out, break down, or need an upgrade.
Now that's something worth building your life around, isn't it?