Same God In An Uncertain World

Reflect on God’s Word

The year 2020 changed people’s lives. Day by day everything around us changed because of the world’s efforts to stem the tide of Covid-19. Stores closed, people lost jobs, curfews were imposed, stay-at-home orders were invoked. It was a scary and anxious time. We asked ourselves, How long will businesses and schools be closed? How long will we have to isolate ourselves from others? How long before life can get back to normal? Uncertainty seemed to be the order of the day.

But this one thing remained: “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8).

No matter what happens today, tomorrow, or a year from now, Jesus Christ, God incarnate, is the same yesterday, today, and forever.

How wonderful it is to know that Jesus, the second person of the Trinity, the only begotten Son of God, very God of very God, creator of the universe, never ever changes.

James 1:17 says, “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.”

BibleRef.com says, “James urges us to flip the typical human script. He calls us to make a new list: all the good things we do have. Where did all those good things come from? James is encouraging believers in Christ to tell themselves the truth: God gave you every single good thing in your life. He is the source of all the good you have and all the good you crave. Who God is does not change when our circumstances change. He doesn’t go from being a good God to a bad God when our trials begin. He is still the source of all the good in our lives. He never changes.”^*

In Exodus 3:14, God tells Moses, “I AM WHO I AM. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: ‘I AM has sent me to you.’” God always existed, he is holy and perfect, and there is nothing about him that changes, because he has no need of anything.

In Malachi 3:6, God says of himself: “I the LORD do not change. So you, the descendants of Jacob, are not destroyed.”

And Psalm 102:25–27 says, “In the beginning you laid the foundations of the earth, and the heavens are the work of your hands. They will perish, but you remain; they will all wear out like a garment. Like clothing you will change them and they will be discarded. But you remain the same, and your years will never end.”

When faced with uncertain times, it might be your default to think God has left the world unattended, like a parent who leaves their toddler to their own devices. Every parent knows that chaos ensues when that happens. But God does not leave us. He has promised to never leave us or forsake us (Deuteronomy 31:6).

Unfortunately, we are all born into a fallen world. Disease, death, and destruction are just givens in a sinful world. When we expect everything will run smoothly, we are bound for disappointment.

James 1:12 says, “Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.”

Take heart! Even as you face uncertainty, keep your eyes on Jesus because not only has he promised you the crown of life when you have stood the test of time, he is also the one constant you can count on through it all.

Release Your Everyday Concerns

Take a long, deep breath and rest in the truth that God never changes. No matter how uncertain life is, you can always depend on God being the same.

Thank the Lord for being unchangeable and for being your strong anchor in this tumultuous sea we call life.

As you come before God today, lay aside your concerns and your need to know what’s going to happen tomorrow, and just sit at his feet, resting in the knowledge that you can trust him because you know who he is. Ask God to show you from his Word the truth about his character and his love that has never changed. That there is no variation or shifting shadow in him. Thank him for what he shows you about himself.

God is not afraid of your emotions. Give to him your sorrow over the things happening in the world, your fear about how things are going to turn out, and all your what-ifs.

What do you know to be true about Jesus today, in the midst of turmoil and uncertainty? Is he still good? Is he still loving? Is he still powerful? Focus today on Jesus instead of all that is in chaos around you. He is your anchor. He is your solid rock.

Jesus, you are the Alpha and the Omega, the one who was, who is, and who is to come. I praise you for being the one thing I can count on in this ever-changing world. I love you and praise you today because I can always count on you. You have always been just, you have always been merciful, you have always been kind, generous, and loving. And I know you always and forever will be. On you, the solid rock, I stand. All other ground is sinking sand. In our uncertain world, you are my certainty. In your solid, unchanging name I pray, amen.

JOURNAL PROMPT: Write down the things you know were true about God yesterday. Acknowledge to him that you know those things are still true today.