Change

I look restlessly out my window. I see Change coming down the road toward me. And while Change was expected, and even invited – I suddenly do not wish to see Change. I want to run away. I want to yell, “Stop! I’m not ready for you yet.”

In each of our lives, a visit from Change is inevitable and very often rewarding. But a visit from Change can never be said to be entirely comfortable or easy.

Change wanders the earth visiting those who have lost loved ones to death or distance.

Change visits those who move great distances, who create families, or who enter new careers or jobs. In these cases Change might even be welcomed.

Change is less welcome for those who suffer the considerable discomforts and distresses of illness, loss, poverty, war, or any number of unpleasant or violent circumstances.

Change can be fickle. We may wish for Change to come, and yet Change remains stubbornly absent.

The earth, it would seem, is a mass of swirling uncertainty and upheaval and inevitable change. And, somehow, we must adapt and cope with it – trying to find pockets of safety and security.

God, the Unchanging One

What a relief to know that there is One who does not change  – ever! In theological terms we are referring to God’s immutability. This is one of the most important of God’s interesting and valuable character qualities because it means that God will be consistent to, and unchanging in his character, will, and purposes.

“I am the Lord, and I do not change.” Malachi 3:6

He Remains True to His Character, His Will, and His Purposes

What this means for you and I is that no matter where we go or whatever happens to us in life – for better or for worse, we have a secure place of refuge and safety found in the Person of God.

God is someone whom we can hold on to in the midst of the changing circumstances of life. And if it seems sometimes that we are holding on only by the tips of our fingers, we will inevitably find that when our strength gives way, we will fall into God’s ageless embrace. Strong and gentle, at the same time.

He is eternally strong and rock solid – like an anchor holding a boat in a storm, like a tower – like a rock (Isaiah 26:4). Contemplate carefully these words:

“So God has given both his promise and his oath. These two things are unchangeable because it is impossible for God to lie. Therefore, we who have fled to him for refuge can have great confidence as we hold to the hope that lies before us.  This hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls.” Hebrews 6:18,19

Did you get that? We can have confidence. Our hope in God is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls!  And…

“He never changes or casts a shifting shadow.” James 1:17

Shadows are tricky sometimes and they can even scare us, but God is all light!

He is also tender and comforting. God can be likened to a mother hen who shelters her chicks under her wings. God has arms to wrap around us and love to pour over us – peace to give to us.

Because of this, I can count on certain unchanging truths when every thing else is shifting sand:

• I can rest in Hope for my future is certain, securely hidden in Christ. (Col 3:3-4)
• I can know that nothing in heaven or earth can separate me from God’s unchanging love, which He has, and will continue to, faithfully express to me. (Romans 8:38,39)
• I can trust that although the earth moves toward a final and violent end, God promises me peace now and forever. My peace comes through the knowledge that I belong to a kingdom not of this world, yet while in this world, it is God’s purposes that will prevail. (Proverbs 19:21)

God is in All my Tomorrows

Because of all of these things, and more, I do not need to fear change, because God is in all my tomorrows.  I myself will change – and in fact, I desire to be changed and renewed into Christ-likeness – into the Unchanging One.

“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” Hebrews 13:8

I have even learned to value change. Although change can be difficult, the steps of faith taken have led me along paths of discovery where I have experienced God in new ways, and this has grown my faith.

So, today, as Change approaches once again, I look up into the unchangeable security of God. He has invited me to find my secure and eternal belonging in Him. He has given me confidence through His words of promise and through the presence of His Holy Spirit.

Change may come, but Change must bow before the Unchanging One. Therefore I know that whatever Change brings to me, it brings only by the Will of God. This comforts me. I Rest in this truth.

 

 

 

Maybe you have believed that your security lies in a financially comfortable life with a secure job or pension, or with a person, or perhaps a consistent routine and no dramas to deal with. Unfortunately, when we put our confidence in our circumstances, we will inevitably have to face something that we don’t want to face. Change will ring the doorbell, and you will have to answer. Before you answer the door, look around you, and see that you are not alone. God is with you.

A word from the Lord for you: Be assured that God has not forgotten you.  He has not changed his mind about you. He has not moved on to someone younger, more talented, interesting, or energetic.  His purposes and love for you remain unchanged in Christ Jesus.

Scriptures to Meditate on:

God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble.

 

Long ago you laid the foundation of the earth and made the heavens with your hands.
They will perish, but you remain forever; they will wear out like old clothing.
You will change them like a garment and discard them.
But you are always the same; you will live forever.

Psalm 102:25-27

 

The Lord frustrates the plans of the nations and thwarts all their schemes.
But the Lord’s plans stand firm forever; his intentions can never be shaken…

Let your unfailing love surround us, Lord, for our hope is in you alone.

Psalm 33:10-11, 22

 

Come to me, all of you who are weary and burdened – who have struggled with change – find rest in me…

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