Monday, October 7, 2024

            Change happens.  And usually, change happens without much input from us. We rarely have much input or get a chance to vote on it.  Seasons change.  Weather changes.  And the things we once called certain can change in moments.  The western mountains of North Carolina experienced profound changes to the topography and geography of natural places during the onslaught of Hurricane Helene.  We age.  We lose quickness and dexterity.  But we can also change good ways.  We can gain wisdom.  We can produce more and better fruit of the Spirit.  We grow in faith.  We increase our love for the Lord.  We can become more surrendered and yielded to the Lord. 
            Though we often experience change and observe the things around us as they change, God never changes.  God never learns a lesson.  God never grows smarter or stronger.  God does not change.  In the prophet Malachi we read, “I the LORD do not change” (Malachi 3:6a).  God’s unchanging nature is often called His immutability.  We can read about God’s unchanging nature throughout the Bible. Scripture teaches us that God has no need to change.  He is perfect.  James 1:17 says that God “does not change like shifting shadows.”
            Psalm 33:11 says, “But the plans of the LORD stand firm forever, the purposes of His heart through all generations.”  Hebrews 13:8 teaches that “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever.”  It is comforting to know that God does not change.  He is never moody or prickly.  God’s character and qualities are the same every day and any day.  We can come before the Lord for grace, strength and help.  In a world riddled by change, and often not change of a good kind, it is a relief and encouragement to know that God remains in unchanging control of all things.  He knows the story that He is writing and unfolding for the world and each of us.
            It can be helpful to take moments each day to rest in God’s unchanging nature.  Remind yourself of who He is.  Psalm 46 teaches us “to be still and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10).  We rest in the Lord.  We rest with the Lord.  We take our leave and comfort in His unchanging nature.  We can face change only because God is unchanging.  We can stand against the winds and waves of life and adversity because the Lord is the unchanging, good shepherd who sees His people through any valley and storm.
            As we look at a changing world scene almost every day, we need to retreat to God’s Word to see His unchanging nature and perspective.  And we can trust that the unchanging God we love and worship is mighty to save and shelter us.  Daniel experienced this truth in a den filled with hungry lions whose mouths God closed.  The disciples experienced this truth in a storm-tossed boat when Jesus commanded a storm to be still and quiet.  A dying thief crucified beside Jesus experienced this truth when, with his dying breaths, he cried out for Jesus to remember him.  And Jesus promised this thief a place in His kingdom.  God never changes.  And we are thankful that He stays the same almighty, just and gracious God of heaven and earth.  Have a great Monday!  Remember you can help us fill our truck for Madison County today and tomorrow!  Continue to pray for those who have been harmed and impacted by last month’s hurricane.  Your gifts of donated items or money will make a huge difference!