The prophet Jeremiah declared that the steadfast love of the Lord never ceases. But what if it did? Jeremiah said that God’s mercies never come to an end (Lam. 3:22). But what if they did? How do we know that God will continue to be with us? Check out today’s passage.

Genesis 21:33
Abraham planted a tamarisk tree in Beersheba and called there on the name of the Lord, the Everlasting God. 

Those who interacted with Abraham observed God’s presence. One ruler in the region of the Philistines declared to Abraham, “God is with you in all that you do” (Genesis 21:22). This led to a treaty and allowed Abraham to stay in the area. It was there he planted a tree and called on the name of the Lord. It was there in Beersheba that Abraham called God, El Olam, the “Everlasting God.”

El Olam describes God as the One who has no beginning or end. There was never a time when he was not; there will never be a time when he is not. This is an attribute of God that is difficult for the human mind to grasp. We think in terms of time—minutes, hours, days, weeks, months, and years. While God acts in time, he transcends time. To El Olam, a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years is like a day (Psalm 90:4, 2 Peter 3:8).

Think about the practical impact of this attribute of God. No one is responsible for God’s existence. He has always been, and he will never cease to be. He will never leave nor forsake us. God’s love will never run out or come to an end. His mercy is limitless. His grace carries an everlasting guarantee. His plans for us stand firm forever. The place he has for us after we die is a never-ending kingdom. The eternal God has made us to live forever. And through Jesus, we can live with God forever. That gives ceaseless confidence!

Everlasting God,
There is no one like you. You are the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I savor your limitless love, mercy, and grace. Your plans for me are settled in heaven. As your child, when I die, I will live with you forever. Because you are eternal, I live today in complete confidence.  In Jesus’ name. Amen.