Everything changes…except for one thing. But before we get to that, let’s chat about things that do change, and of course, the best place to start is with the word definition, at least to a word nerd like me.
Change:
a: to make different in some particular
b: to make radically different
c: to give a different position, course, or direction to
Here’s just a few things that change…
Weather- the weather fluctuates depending upon the season and sometimes day to day, especially in the state I live.
Fashion- the styles we wear change; think jelly shoes circa the 1980s, big bangs, and white spray cans of Aqua Net.
Music- today we refer to music from past years as classic rock and old school country vs. today’s hip hop, alternative rock, and modern country.
Then of course people. People do in fact change or at least have the ability and choice to change. There are physical changes that occur as we age, lose or gain weight, etc. People can also change in their character, their feelings, how they behave, and what they believe.
I know this to be true because my husband and I, as individuals and in our marriage, are living proof of change. If I was to give a highlight reel of our lives the above definitions, a, b and c would all apply. Just ask those closest to us. I can also say not all change is appreciated, wanted, or easy when we’re in the middle of going through it.
Yet as humans we’re able to change, to learn, to grow in all areas; physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Physically, from birth to adulthood, emotionally, as we mature, learn and gain experience and spiritually, which really is relationally since God designed us to know him intimately and to be in relationship with Him (and others.)
God instructs us to change.
“And he said: Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 18:3
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold the new has come.”
2 Corinthians 5:17
God teaches us to learn.
“An intelligent heart acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.”
Proverbs 18:15
“Instruct the wise and they will be wiser still; teach the righteous and they will add to their learning.” Proverbs 9:9
God designed us to grow.
“Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation.” 1 Peter 2:2
“But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory now and forever!”
2 Peter 3:18
When we take a moment to truly think about the depth of care and thoughtfulness God used when He gave us the opportunity to change, learn, and grow, it’s quite humbling. Especially as we consider our anchor being the One that does not change.
God does not change.
“For I the Lord do not change.”
Malachi 3:6
“He who is the Glory of Israel does not lie or change his mind; for he is not a human being, that he should change his mind. “
1 Samuel 15:29
“So when God desired to show more convincingly to the heirs of the promise the unchangeable character of his purpose, he guaranteed it with an oath, so that by two unchangeable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled for refuge might have strong encouragement to hold fast to the hope set before us. We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into the inner place behind the curtain”
Hebrews 6:17-19
Abba, thank you for being an unchanging anchor amongst a world that is constantly changing. Thank you for giving me the ability to change, learn and grow. Give me guidance that directs me and my heart to change in ways that are pleasing to You. May I have a teachable spirit and desire to grow closer to you. In Jesus Name. Amen.
This week’s playlist:
Crowder – The Anchor (Lyric Video) – YouTube
The Anchor
Crowder
Matthew West – The God Who Stays (Official Music Video) – YouTube
The God Who Stays
Matthew West
Hope Has A Name – River Valley Worship – YouTube
Hope Has A Name
River Valley Worship