Never and always are two no-no words in secular society and counsel. Once again, the Word of God and the counsel of the ungodly clash.
The apostle Paul said that he always was bringing his fellow saints to God in prayer. In his second letter to Corinth we have paradoxical ‘always’: even though we are always dying, so to speak, to this flesh, we are at the same time triumphing in Christ.
As Christians, Peter says that we should “always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you”. (Keep in mind, the word “always” means “at all times”, and the idea can be that of repeatedly as well as continuously, so we should not view these Scriptures as impossible exaggerations.)
To take a different tack, God is never going to stop working on our behalf. That means that our walk is never stationary or on hold, though at times it may seem that way. Just as the children of Israel were to keep olive oil in the lamps always, the Holy Spirit is desiring to be kept aflame in our hearts. The most practical way for that to take place is by daily abounding in the work of the Lord, staying in His Word, maintaining an attitude of prayer, fellowshipping with the saints, sharing our faith with the lost.
We celebrate a Thanksgiving Day once a year, but God says that every day is for thanksgiving. Because of the gospel of Jesus Christ, we can always be confident in God’s love and acceptance. David said that he always set the Lord before him. That passage is the key, isn’t it? It seems to me that every other “always” lines up with this intimacy with Jesus. This gives us cause to rejoice and puts a little “salt” into our speech.
Because of our Savior’s promise to always be with us, we can always rejoice, even in sorrowful times. You’ve bought into the gospel of “I know better than God does.” Do you want to be happy? Always? Kick out the thief of unbelief and purpose in your heart to fear God – always.
