When someone tells you, "You can take it to the bank" you better make sure the bank is insured. We live in a world of constant change. If you doubt it, just look at the world map. Since 1950, Rhodesia became Zimbabwe (1980), Burma officially changed its name to Myanmar (1989). Czechoslovakia split (1993), Germany merged (1989), Yemen divided (1967) and reunited (1990). Then there is the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR). In 1991 the Soviet Union splintered into Russia and fourteen independent republics.
Fluctuating borders, a smorgasbord of leaders, and ensuing wars leave us echoing the thoughts of the Greek philosopher, Heraclitus, The only constant is change.
I'm one of those people who likes change, but I also understand what it does to our psyche and sense of security. In short, it messes with us! That's why I must anchor my soul to our unchanging God. The psalmist reminds me about God when he says, You are the same, and your years have no end. (Psalm 102:27) To this, James adds that God does not change like shifting shadows. (James 1:17) God's own words through the prophet Isaiah declare his unchanging character:
for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me, declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done, saying, ‘My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose’ . . .
I have spoken, and I will bring it to pass; I have purposed, and I will do it.
Isaiah 46:9-11 ESV
Theologian Wayne Grudem defines God's unchangeableness in this way:
God is unchanging in his being, perfections, purposes, and promises, yet God does act and feel emotions, and he acts and feels differently in response to different situations.1
Scholars write theologies because we can never exhaust all the wonders of God. But today, I want to encourage you to dwell on just one aspect of his unchangeableness: The unchanging nature of God's promises. Proverbs 30:5 is a favorite of mine: Every word of God proves true; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.
Because God never changes, his promises never fail.
I come to this verse time and again. In fact, I make it a habit to write down in the margin next to it, other passages that declare the certainty of His promises. At present, I have scribbled fourteen other references in the margin. Like flashing neon signs they declare, "God will come through!" I know this because God never changes.
You will experience change today. You can take that to the bank. But God will not change! He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Rest in his unchanging nature and refresh your heart with his incredible promises:
- God's promise of protection: 2 Samuel 22:31
- God's promise of wisdom to handle tough times: James 1:5-8
- God's promise of strength for the weary: Isaiah 40:26-31
- God's promise of peace: Philippians 4:6-7
- God's promise of comfort: 2 Corinthians 1:3-7
- God's promise of power to witness: Acts 1:8
- God's promise of joy: Isaiah 35:10
This week, I am exploring the attributes of God. Click here for the first post in the series, Take The Plunge.
Click here to find out more about Don't Ask This Fish
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1 Wayne Grudem, Systematic Theology: An Introduction to Biblical Doctrine, page 163, and Louis Berkhoff, Systematic Theology, page 58.