No Changes

Yesterday I sallied forth in cold weather —for Tennessee, that is. It was only 17°F (-8.3°C) degrees outside. But I needed a few things from the grocery store, so off I went. I have a favorite market, as most of us do.

This particular store is part of the same chain I frequented when living in Florida because the produce is always fresh, the employees are always so helpful, and the atmosphere is friendly to shoppers. Because I am old, I don’t take to change easily, and the store’s personnel had switched around quite a few displays and food items. I grumbled inwardly as I had to walk farther than normal to find my needed items in their new locations. Yet as I walked from aisle to aisle within the store, it dawned on me that there is another locale I frequent. But in that place, nothing ever changes. That’s the place where I go each day to meet the Holy Spirit through prayer and Bible reading.

That’s where the Holy Spirit and I study the Word together. God’s Word never changes. In fact, God never changes: He is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow. You can depend on Him, you can trust Him, and you can know that He is there for you every second of every day. I was talking with a friend a day or two ago about an upcoming problem with which I will have to deal. “Just give it to God,” he said. “Don’t ask Him for help —just give the whole problem to Him.” What wonderful advice! Straight out of Job! “You, the source of my life, showered me with kindness and watched over me” (Job 10:12, CEV). All through the Bible, we find time-honored tools for successful living despite unexpected changes in our lives.

Successful living is having an ongoing relationship with Jesus, who never changes. Life’s circumstances may change, but He doesn’t. In fact, He promises, “I will be with you always” (Matthew 28:20, CEV).

Whether the new year brought positive or negative changes into your life, praise the Lord! Because His strength and compassion and love for you and me will never change!

Grace A. Keene