God will not be looking for loopholes to escape a covenant promise. He will not change his mind when he has given his word. In fact, it is who God is that keeps his people safe in him. There are too many times that our behavior does not deserve faithfulness, yet God does not change who he is because of us. It is this reality that the Psalmist proclaims in Psalm 106 when he reflects on the disobedience and long history of great spiritual rebellion of the Israelite people, and yet rests in God’s faithful love to save them, even after his discipline.

Perhaps we don’t think of covenants very often, but we use them, especially when something serious calls for a commitment such as marriage or a financial obligation. Merriam-Webster defines the word covenant as “a usually formal, solemn, and binding agreement.” In Scripture, covenants are sometimes accompanied by blood, demonstrating the judgment that would fall upon those who break such a serious agreement.

In our modern time, however, covenants are not always so highly regarded: people enter marriage with a prenuptial agreement, already planning ahead in the event of divorce. Businesses employ lawyers to help them navigate or exit agreements if the need arises, and a general view of doing what is best and convenient for oneself takes precedence over doing what is true to your word, honorable, or promised if it is no longer to one’s benefit.

In a world where broken promises are common, we need to reassure our hearts that our God keeps each promise and covenant he makes.

God Establishes Covenants with His People and Remains Faithful to Them

In Scripture we read about covenants the Lord makes with his people—for example, with Abraham in Genesis 15 and 17 and with David in 2 Samuel 7. And while theologians explain the multiple levels of how these covenants are fulfilled, or are being fulfilled, we consistently find that God does not forget to act upon them. Psalm 105 is a beautiful psalm that reminds God’s people of his faithfulness to them and encourages them to break forth in praise:

Oh give thanks to the Lord; call upon his name;
    make known his deeds among the peoples!
Sing to him, sing praises to him;
    tell of all his wondrous works!
Glory in his holy name;
    let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice!
Seek the Lord and his strength;
    seek his presence continually!
Remember the wondrous works that he has done,
    his miracles, and the judgments he uttered,
O offspring of Abraham, his servant,
    children of Jacob, his chosen ones! (Ps. 105: 1-6)

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