Change
Walking up on Rocky Top this afternoon I observed the glorious changing and falling leaves of autumn. Nestled next to several evergreens stood a magnificent tree in glorious oranges and yellows. As I walked toward the tree, the music on my phone was playing: “Great is Thy faithfulness, O God my Father. There is no shadow of turning with Thee. Thou changest not…”
Change. It has been a constant companion in my life the last four years. From the loss of a position which I falsely placed my identity in to the death of loved ones and even a beloved, faithful dog. Change. From my plans for holidays being cancelled to plans to serve Him with good intentions interrupted. Change is not changing anytime soon.
Immutability, the fancy word I learned in my Systematic Theology class for God’s unchangeable character, describes my great God. He never changes. He is incapable of change. He is the same. He is faithful when others betray us. He shows up when no one else does. He never dies, not even when those who betrayed Him crucified Him. He is constant even when the very nature He created changes. In Malachi 3:6, God says, “For I am the Lord, I change not…”
When I choose to place Him in the middle of my change and cling to His faithfulness and to His immutability, He provides me with stability and confidence. In the New Testament James reminded the young church, “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation of shadow due to change.” (James 1:17)
What is changing in your world at this moment? Your job? Relationships? Your physical address? Your financial stability? Don’t walk in fear of change. It’s just a part of this life. Choose to rest in His character of immutability and stand in His perfect unchanging provision of Himself.
People change. Plans change. Even nature changes. Yet, he remains steady and unchangeable. Stand and sing:
Great is thy faithfulness, O God my Father.
There is no shadow of turning with Thee.
Thou changest not, Thy compassions, they fail not.
As Thou has been, Thou forever will be.
Great is they faithfulness!
