I’ve Seen God’s Faithfulness 看到上帝的信实

[Dexu Xia]

I will praise you, Lord, among the nations; I will sing the praises of your name. 2 Samuel 22:50

Throughout her historic seventy years as Britain’s ruler, Queen Elizabeth II only endorsed one biography about her life with a personal foreword, The Servant Queen and the King She Serves. Released in celebration of her ninetieth birthday, the book recounts how her faith guided her as she served her country. In the foreword, Queen Elizabeth expressed gratitude for everyone who’d prayed for her, and she thanked God for His steadfast love. She concluded, “I have indeed seen His faithfulness.”

Queen Elizabeth’s simple statement echoes the testimonies of men and women throughout history who’ve experienced the personal, faithful care of God in their lives. It’s this theme underlying a beautiful song King David wrote as he reflected on his life. Recorded in 2 Samuel 22, the song speaks of God’s faithfulness in protecting David, providing for him, and even rescuing him when his very life was in danger (vv. 3–4, 44). In response to his experience of God’s faithfulness, David wrote, “I will sing the praises of your name” (v. 50).

While there’s added beauty when God’s faithfulness is seen over a long lifetime, we don’t have to wait to recount His care in our lives. When we recognize that it’s not our own abilities that carry us through life but the faithful care of a loving Father, we’re moved to gratitude and praise.

By:  Lisa M. Samra

How have you seen God’s faithfulness? How might you express your gratitude to Him?

Heavenly Father, I’m so grateful that in every season of life—sorrow or joy—I’ve seen Your faithfulness

耶和华啊，⋯⋯我要在外邦中称谢祢，歌颂祢的名。—撒母耳记下22章50节

英国女王伊莉莎白二世在位七十年间，只为一本描述自己生平的传记写过序言，书名为《仆人女王与她所侍奉的君王》（The Servant Queen and the King She Serves，暂译）。这本书为庆祝女王九十岁生日而出版，书中记述女王的信仰如何引领她为国家服务。在序言中，女王感谢每一个为她祷告的人，并感谢上帝坚定不移的爱。她总结道：“我确实看到了上帝的信实。”

伊莉莎白女王这句简洁的宣告，呼应了历世历代众信徒的见证，他们都曾亲身经历上帝信实地看顾。大卫王在回顾自己的一生时，写下了一首以此为主题的优美诗歌。这首诗歌记载于撒母耳记下22章，讲述上帝信实地保护大卫，供应他所需，甚至在他面临危险时拯救他（3-4、44节）。大卫经历了上帝的信实，于是作了这首诗回应上帝说：“我要⋯⋯歌颂祢的名。”（50节）

回顾漫长的一生，看到上帝的信实，固然分外美好，但其实我们现在就可以数算上帝在你我生命中的保守与看顾。当我们明白，我们不是凭自己的能力行经人生的高峰与低谷，而是这位慈爱的上帝信实地看顾，我们就会不禁感谢赞美祂。

作者：  夏莉珊

你曾如何看到上帝的信实？你会如何向上帝表达感谢？

亲爱的天父，我满心感谢祢！因在人生的每个阶段中，无论悲伤或欢喜，我都看到了祢的信实。