In a world where change is a constant, there remains a God that ceases to change.

You would think change is something humanity has learned to accept, especially considering everything changes, from our health to our jobs and from relationships to our neighborhoods. Yet amid the Coronavirus pandemic, we are all struggling; coupled with another election that will cause a drastic shift in policy and an administration marked with a leadership style diametrically opposed to what we experienced the past four years.  We watched from our den of excess; the world around us changed with but a sneeze. As my wife and I drove through a small town a few weeks ago, we grieved for every business that was boarded up or for sale. We talked about jobs once thought to be secure, health enjoyed, luxuries taken for granted, and retirement plans counted on, but everything changed with a sneeze. Everything but God.

Policies are amended, legislation introduced, laws created, and even our constitution is reinterpreted and reexamined, but the Word of God never changes. Political winds introduce change every election, but God remains on His throne. Culture may fund the millions of lives being ripped from the safety of the womb, but God still judges our spiritually bankrupt state. Laws may protect our bodies fulfilling the most perverse concoctions of our minds, yet God still demands holiness. Over a million people have died as a result of the COVID-19 virus, yet God’s door of death still ushers His children into His presence. Over 60 million are struggling to overcome a COVID-19 diagnosis, yet God continues to touch and heal as He has for thousands of years. Fear of the unknown continues to weigh on the hearts of many, causing more restless nights and doctor visits than ever, but God still speaks to those who listen, mends hearts that cry to Him, and offers peace that can’t be explained. Everything changes but God.

It is very easy to become discouraged with all of the changes occurring in your life and culture. Johnson Oatman Jr was such a man with such a story. Johnson’s father was a talented singer, and he wanted nothing more than to fill dad’s shoes by serving God through music. Yet, he was never able to rise to the same talent level; thus, he resigned to work in the family business. Johnson never gave up on his musical dream though, and tried his hand at writing songs for others to sing, and very soon, his career took off. With a past littered of stories lamenting what he didn’t have, Johnson decided to focus on his blessings. One of his most famous songs revealed a heart of gratitude; Count Your Blessings, the chorus tells it all:

Count your many blessings; name them one by one. 
Count your many blessings, see what God has done.

In this dark, sinful, and everchanging world in which we live, perhaps we should focus more on the Father of Lights; who never sins or changes. Tomorrow as you rise from the bed, many changes that flip your world upside down may greet you; however, God will still be with you. Your job may be in jeopardy, yet His provisions will continue to flow. The COVID virus might take your health or even your life, yet God still has the power over death and will send His Son to greet you at the Gates of Glory. Amid your struggle, grab a pen and paper and write down all of your blessings, with a focus on what will never change. Then, take time to thank God for His everchanging presence in your life; I am confident it will make a difference.

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

Question: Would you be willing to make a list today that contains all of the never-changing blessings in your life and spend time in prayer thanking God for each item?

Prayer: Father, please have patience with me; I am so weak. With all that is going on in this world, I seem to focus on what is changing instead of that which never does. May I be purposeful in recognizing the benefits of being a Child of God. Thank you that you never change and that I can count on you no matter what. May those around me see a hope within me that leads them to you. Father, please reveal those in my life that are discouraged with all of the changes in our world that I may have the courage to share your never changing love. In the name of Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen.