Heraclitus, a Greek philosopher, is quoted as saying “Change is the only constant in life.”
In Oklahoma, we quote the great philosopher, Will Rogers, who said, “If you don’t like the weather in Oklahoma, wait a minute and it’ll change.”
We can agree, I believe, that change is constant and change is hard. But even when the waves are choppy, when the storm is ominous and the clouds are dark, keep going forward. Be strong, consistent and dependable, even when it’s hard.
My husband and I grew up with constant change. His dad was in the military and my dad was a pastor. For both of us, it meant moving often. Johnny lived in bigger cities, while my family lived in small communities like Lawson, Arkansas; Reid, Alabama; and Crump, Tennessee. Those are real places with real people. I promise.
And while I don’t regret having been in those places and meeting people who shaped me into the person I am today, I remember longing for consistency. The rest of the story is, that after Johnny and I finished seminary in Ft. Worth, TX, we moved to where we are now in Duncan, Oklahoma. This month it has been 37 years we’ve been in this community. It’s funny that we grew deep roots and gave our children a place to call home. (Interestingly, our brothers and sisters all grew deep roots and stayed long in their communities. Seemed we all longed for consistency.)
Of course, it’s not location that gives you a firm foundation. It’s Whom you build your life on. Jesus is that solid rock. Unmovable. Dependable. Always the same. Consistent. The same yesterday, today and forever. I don’t have to go looking for Him. He is always here. Constant. Unchanging. Steady.
Wednesday in the Word
“For I am the LORD, I change not..” Malachi 3:6
“The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.” Psalm 18:2
“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” Hebrews 13:8
“The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God endures forever.”
Share Your Good Words
Good Questions of the Week: What is a change in your life that has brought you something good? What is a change in your life that has been challenging? What is an attribute of God that you can depend on?
Photo: She Is Safe
Good Unseen People
I invite you to read more about Unseen People: Sharing Light and Life With Your Neighbors and the Nations. Click the link to read more on my website.
The first 26 years of my life were full of change. I wrote about it in my blog a few years ago. “I eventually realized that my call didn’t change, even though my location wasn’t what I anticipated.” Read the story here: Where Am I?
A Good Song/Video: In Christ Alone, Michael W. Smith “No power of hell, no scheme of man, can ever pluck me from His hand, Till he returns, or calls me home, here in the power of Christ I’ll stand.” This is an amazing worship song. Take a few minutes and let the truths of this song sink in deeply.
A Final Good Word
I recently discovered this proverb: “Anxiety in the heart of man causes depression, But a good word makes it glad.” Proverbs 12:25.
I hope these good words each Wednesday encourage you and make your heart glad. Inspires you. Fills you with hope and help. But these words are meant to always point to The Word. There is where you find your strength. Your solid Rock. Your never changing Savior.
I can resonate with this. I grew up in a small town in WV and have moved many times. I feel I’m always changing and transforming through life of what God wants for me. If that’s not happening then I’m not living.
I can resonate with this. I grew up in a small town in WV and have moved many times. I feel I’m always changing and transforming through life of what God wants for me. If that’s not happening then I’m not living.
It's funny, I've been reminded of God's immutability on a few occasions recently.
I, too, value stability and security and believe He created us for dependency on Him.
I'm thankful that He unsettles me when I drift from His presence. 😊