Very little in life is static. In my last blog, I discussed the constancy of change. Constant change can make life feel very scary and unsettling. What can we count on when everything around us is changing? Any human-originated construct or entity, including religion in any flavor, has and will continue to fail and disillusion us. What is left? We can count on an eternal God, Who is one with us, adores us, is masterful, is trustworthy and Who never changes—a God Who relentlessly pursues each and every child in Love.
First things first: if we are going to lean on and depend upon a constant God, we need to know that God is always present. He is with you (Heb. 13:5), understanding what you are going through—good, bad, or indifferent—moment by moment (Heb. 4:15). He is with you regardless of your good or bad behavior or ability to perceive Him. Jesus says in Hebrews 13:5b:
…for He [God] Himself has said, I will not in any way fail you nor give you up nor leave you without support. [I will] not, [I will] not, [I will] not in any degree leave you helpless nor forsake nor let [you] down (relax My hold on you)! [Assuredly not!]
Amplified Bible (AMP, emphasis added)
There are no loopholes! As a matter of fact, God joined you to Himself before the foundation of the world (Eph. 1:4 and 2 Tim. 1:9–10). Your union and oneness with Him is secure because of His choice for you (John 15:16, 19; Col. 3:12; 1 Thess. 2:13; 1 Peter 2:9), regardless of whether or not you have chosen Him back yet. This is an objective truth that is experienced subjectively as you keep “choosing” Him back in a relational way day by day (1 Peter 1:12, Eph. 1:17-19, Eph. 3:16-19, Prov. 3:5-6).
Psalm 31:15 and 19 says:
15 My life, my every moment, my destiny—it’s all in your hands. So I know you can deliver me from those who persecute me relentlessly.
19 Lord, how wonderful you are! You have stored up so many good things for us, like a treasure chest heaped up and spilling over with blessings—all for those who honor and worship you! Everybody knows what you can do for those who turn and hide themselves in you.
The Passion Translation (TPT, emphasis added)
God not only is with you and one with you; He also intimately gets what you are going through in a way no one else can. Hebrews 4:14–16 says,
14 So then, we must cling in faith to all we know to be true. For we have a magnificent King-Priest, Jesus Christ, the Son of God, who rose into the heavenly realm for us, and now sympathizes with us in our frailty. 15He understands humanity, for as a man, our magnificent King-Priest was tempted in every way just as we are, and conquered sin. 16So now we draw near freely and boldly to where grace is enthroned, to receive mercy’s kiss and discover the grace we urgently need to strengthen us in our time of weakness.
TPT (emphasis added)
Brian Simmons, lead translator of The Passion Translation, comments:
4:14 The Aramaic can be translated “who has sorrow with us in our affliction.”
Isn’t that amazing? God feels what you feel and cares without being overwhelmed by it. Simmons continues emphasizing God’s ability to meet us in the most severe of tribulations:
4:16 The Greek word boetheia means “urgent help,” and is often used as “reinforcing” (a ship in a storm).
Where do you or have you felt like a ship in a storm? He is with you to reinforce you in your tribulation! Psalm 62:7-8 rings out:
7 God’s glory is all around me! His wraparound presence is all I need, for the Lord is my Savior, my hero, and my life-giving strength.
8 Trust only in God every moment!
Tell him all your troubles and pour out your heart-longings to him.
TPT (emphasis added)
Another aspect of God that we need to become acquainted with is that not only is He one with us and compassionate in our circumstances, but He never changes. Numbers 23:19 says:
God is not a human being, that he should lie, or a mortal, that he should change his mind. Has he promised, and will he not do it? Has he spoken, and will he not fulfill it?
NRSV (emphasis added)
First Samuel 15:29 reiterates and brings out the idea that not only does God not change, but God does not deceive us:
Moreover, the Glory of Israel will not deceive or change his mind, for he is not a mortal, that he should change his mind.”
NRSV (emphasis added)
Often in prolonged battles, we project our weariness on God. But
Malachi 3:6 says:
For I the Lord do not change; therefore you, O children of Jacob, have not perished.
NRSV (emphasis added)
Hebrews 13:8 words it:
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.
NRSV (emphasis added)
So, to review:
- God is in-alterably with us.
- God is inextricably one with us.
- God feels our pain, weaknesses, and temptations and is with us to strengthen us and ultimately bring us out of our trials.
- And God never changes His mind and Who He is.
This can minister confidence to us when everything seems to be shaken.
Psalm 46:1-4a, 10 says:
1God, you’re such a safe and powerful place to find refuge!
You’re a proven help in time of trouble—
more than enough and always available whenever I need you.
2So we will never fear even if every structure of support were to crumble away.
We will not fear even when the earth quakes and shakes,
moving mountains and casting them into the sea.
3For the raging roar of stormy winds and crashing waves
cannot erode our faith in you.
Pause in his presence
4God has a constantly flowing river whose sparkling streams
bring joy and delight to his people.
10Surrender your anxiety.
Be still and realize that I am God.
I am God above all the nations,
and I am exalted throughout the whole earth.
TPT (emphasis added)
So, are you or a loved one experiencing a trial today? Do things in life seem like everything is changing and upside down? Run to the God Who adores you, is with you, is one with you, and Who never changes. You will find you will get through impossible things and come out the other side upgraded!
Let me know how I can stand with you.
Much Love,
Catherine