School is back in session, the sweet corn is being harvested, football season is upon us, and the temperature just shrunk from the 70s and 80s to the 60s in what seems like a breath. Life seems to be spinning by faster and faster. And things are changing that quickly as well. Artificial Intelligence, the influence of the internet and social media, and the immediacy of information make my head spin.
Because life is fleeting and because change is happening every day and because keeping up is exhausting and virtually impossible, I’m glad that God never does. Hebrews 13:8 says, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” The author goes on to say that we need to be careful of teachings that sound different from the Bible because they aren’t from God. What He has inspired, He has inspired. He hasn’t changed his Word.
James 1:17 says, “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.” In context, James has just said that sin happens when we give in to our worldly or fleshly desires. The gifts God gives us are consistent with what brings Him glory, not his creation. Salvation is a good and perfect gift. Love is a good and perfect gift. Faith and hope are good and perfect gifts. So-called gifts of this world that only leave us wanting more are neither good nor perfect.
Malachi 3:6 says, “For I, the Lord, do not change.” In this context, He is speaking about his promises to the Israelites even in the midst of their sin.
And finally, Isaiah 40:8 says, “The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever.” The convicting part of that verse is that He will do what He says He will do. The encouraging part of that verse is that He will do what He says He will do. For those in Christ Jesus will have eternal life. However, those who are not will have to endure God’s wrath.
As change is happening in your life. As the world spins and life gets complex. As you try to keep up with all that is going on around you. Remember, we worship and serve a God who never changes. He keeps His promises. He loves unconditionally. He created. He saves. You can always open your Bible and slow things down by realizing that God is still the same.