Changes

"The only constant is change!” This an old philosophical principle that rings true, but it means that life can be difficult. Change brings along feelings of anxiety, worry, and grief. When our life changes, even if it is a welcome change, it still brings grief. For example, a couple may welcome a newborn, which is a joyous occasion, but there is still grief in the change. Moving, switching jobs, entering a new school… all can be good things, but there is still grief. Grief never comes easily, especially when suppressed or ignored.

In Christian circles, I sometimes see grief revealed as evidence of insufficient faithfulness. This notion is toxic and nonsense. I’d argue the opposite, the more familiar we are with our own grief, the more God is able to bring healing, restoration, and hope for the future. Cultures, mindsets, and values change as well. We can long for what once was, but it becomes unfaithful when we do not see God working here and now.

It isn’t just change that is constant, love is as well. The consistency and stability of God derive from God’s love for the world. The Bible is a story that conveys the relationship between God and God’s people where love is the constant. All of Scripture is a conversation partner with people of generations past. God doesn’t change, but the human understanding of God certainly does. God remains present with people because of God’s love for them. As the verse goes, “We love because God first loved us” (1 John 4:19).

I wake up each day not knowing what the world might throw my way, changes can come a million miles an hour. But if I strive to love others as best I can, God will show up. Knowing about God’s love doesn’t make the change easy, it makes the mission clear. Together, we will stay rooted in love. God’s unchanging love for us allows us to adapt to the changes around us.

No matter what the world brings your way, no matter what changes you might have to go through, remember that God loves you yesterday, today, and forever. The uncertainty of the world is no match for God’s love. It is love that will guide us, be our north star, and lead us through the times ahead.

With hope,

Pastor Lucas

Photo by Emmanuel Phaeton