It doesn’t take a sleuth to notice that changes are taking place in our culture that cause a great deal of stress, a great deal of tension. Values we have honored are being challenged by some group in some way today. We see this everywhere. Right is being called wrong. Wrong is being called right. There are people today that don’t even believe there is such a thing as right and wrong. People say, “There are no absolutes!” The statement in itself is an absolute.” Things have turned upside down. Political correctness rules the day and values are being thrown away. However, the Bible says: Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and yes forever. Hebrews 13:8
There’s a theological term for that called the immutability of God. Simply stated, He’s always been the same, He is the same, and He always will be the same. Why does God never change? Is it that He can’t? Is it that He doesn’t want to? Is it that He’s stuck in His ways? Why does God never change? Because He’s perfect and He says, “I, the Lord, do not change!” Malachi 3:6. You can count on Him no matter what happens in the future.
His love never changes.
“I have loved you with an everlasting love.” Jeremiah 31:3
“Your love never changes.” Psalm119:159
“Nothing can separate you from the love of God” Romans 8:38
That’s unchanging and everlasting love. You were created as an object of God’s love. You were made to be loved by God. You will never be loved by God any more than you are now. You will never be loved by God any less than you are at this very moment. God’s love never changes. That is something I can anchor my life into.
God’s Word never changes.
“The grass withers and flowers fade, but the Word of our God shall stand forever.” Isaiah 40:8
“Long ago I learned from Your statues that You established them to last forever.” Psalm 119:152
It’s timeless, enduring, eternal. It never withers; it’s always fresh. It doesn’t get stale. God’s word is never out of date. His Word is not meant as a temporary suggestion. These are eternal principles. Jesus said it like this: “Heaven and earth will pass away but My word will never pass away.” It abides forever. No book has been more criticized, more judged, more ridiculed, more banned, more burned than this book and yet it is as fresh and relevant today as it was when it was first given 2000 years ago. It is not going to change. Popular opinion is going to change, psychology books are going to change, political correctness is going to change. Everything else changes, but God’s word does not.
God’s Purpose for my life never changes!
“[God] is not a man — He doesn’t change His mind.” 1 Samuel 15:29
“His plans endure forever; His purposes last eternally.” Psalm 33:11
“You can make many plans, but the Lord’s purpose will prevail.” Proverbs 19:21
I’m really glad for these verses. Long before you were born, God planned you. And that plan has never changed. He created you for a purpose. You were made for a reason. God never has to change His plans. That means that no matter what has happened in your life to date, God’s purpose for your life has not changed. God has no Plan B for my life. “We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28
“I trust in God, so why should I be afraid?” Psalm 56:11
Great verse, great question and great answer! Why should I be afraid? Why should I worry about change in the future?
The truth is I don’t know what the future holds. I don’t know what tomorrow holds and you don’t either.
But I know God will never stop loving me, even when I feel unlovable. He will never stop loving me. And I know that God’s word is always the right thing to do. It may not make sense. It may seem unreasonable, unpopular, out of date, antiquated, whatever, but it is always the right thing to do. And God’s purpose for my life is far greater than my current circumstances and problems.
So take this encouragement from the Psalmist today, “Though he falls he will not be overwhelmed because the Lord God holds his hand.” Psalm 37:24
Time is filled with swift transition,
Naught of earth unmoved can stand,
Build your hope on things eternal,
Hold to God’s unchanging hand.
Trust in Him who will not leave you,
Whatsoever years may bring,
If by earthly friends forsaken
Still more closely to Him cling.
When your journey is completed,
If to God you have been true,
Fair and bright the home in glory
Your enraptured soul will view.
Hold to God’s unchanging hand,
Hold to God’s unchanging hand;
Build your hopes on things eternal,
Hold to God’s unchanging hand.
Preacher Roy Thomas often ended his sermons with the invitation to “get a fresh grip on the nail scared hand of Jesus today.” I’m praying that you do just that.
