“For I am the Lord, I change not.”
Malachi 3:6 (KJV)
Series Focus: “A Time for Everything”
Some say, “The one constant in this life is change.” Change is ever-present in every way. Time marches on. One season rolls to the next. Birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, and promotions are celebrated. Jobs relocate. Conflicts arise. Relationships ignite, stagnate, or extinguish. A new life is born. Another one ceases. One year ends. A new one begins. And we celebrate all the events of the year again—but it doesn’t always look or feel the same.
Scripture supports this truth. The author of Ecclesiastes writes in 3:1-9 (ESV):
For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted; a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; a time to seek, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away; a time to tear, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak; a time to love, and a time to hate; a time for war, and a time for peace.
Sometimes we excitedly welcome change with fanfare and exuberance. A long-awaited victory is realized! A fresh start commences. Other times we dig in our heels while screaming and violently resisting any inkling of the much-despised possibility of the “c” word. Regardless of our reactions, we can’t seem to stop the never-ceasing roller-coaster of change. Change, however, is not the only constant in this life.
There is One who never changes. We can depend upon, fully rely on, and trust Almighty God—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. From Genesis to Revelation, from the beginning to the end of time and for all eternity, He promises He is our God and He will never change. His character is the same forever. Hebrews 13:8 (NASB) says:
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today, and forever.
In James 1:17 (HCSB), it is written:
Every generous act and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights; with Him there is no variation or shadow cast by turning.
In Isaiah 40:8 (NASB), the prophet wrote:
The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God stands forever.
Not one of our days will ever be exactly the same as another. Every single moment presents its own challenges, mediocrity, and celebrations. The ONLY “thing” that stays the same through all the vast changes in our lives is God. HE is the constant.
As we transition into the seasons of Thanksgiving, Christmas, and the New Year, each of us will experience changes. Some we expect and will joyfully embrace. Others may blindside and derail us. Regardless, God has created a time for everything and He is with us in every moment. His presence brings peace, comfort, wisdom, and guidance during every single change. Seek Him in the stillness. Trust Him in the uncertainties. Remain steadfast with Him in every shift. He is with you and He is for you.
Holding Fast to Hope,
Maryann
Scripture References: Malachi 3:6; Ecclesiastes 3:1-9; Hebrews 13:8; James 1:17; Isaiah 40:8