We don’t exactly use this word regularly in conversation. Years ago, I was reading a familiar passage and it struck me because I was expecting a different word. Psalm 51:10 in the NIV says, “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.” I was used to hearing, “…and renew a right spirit within me.” In the days following, the more I thought about it the more I began to see that word all over scripture, often in regards to God’s steadfast love for us.
Steadfast.
There was something about it which resonated in me, like a secret ingredient I’d been missing for years in my life. It means, “resolutely or dutifully firm and unwavering” (according to Google, anyway). Dictionary.com also defines it as, “fixed in direction,” or, “firm in purpose.”
In my walk with Christ, things often felt seasonal; I’d be close to God for a time then there’d be a long stretch where I simply went through the motions, unthinking & unintentional. After a while, God felt more like a stranger so I’d jump right back into the Word to feel close to Him again—until I wasn’t. My faithfulness seemed to come slowly in distant waves. You certainly couldn’t define my relationship as “resolutely or dutifully firm and unwavering.”
Steadfast. It’s a sailing term, used to describe an intense focus and consistent progress toward your destination—regardless of what the sea throws at you. It means allowing nothing to knock you off-course or slow you down. Even if progress isn’t exactly fast, it can still be steadfast. Related words include: constant, faithful, persevering, relentless, single-minded, true, or unflinching.
This word kickstarted a movement of God in my life which directly influenced the birth of Flectio. It’s a word I hope comes to define the mentality of Christ followers all over the world—most especially those who read these articles or use our Bible study resources. To be honest, it’s a word I hope comes to describe me, even if it isn’t referenced directly. I hope after I’m gone it’s how I’m remembered by others: steadfast in the pursuit of God, fixed in direction & persevering relentlessly, single-minded, faithful, and constant.
Can you imagine? What would it look like if God had just a handful of truly steadfast followers, today?
What would it look like if one of them… was you?