The More Things Change…
The month of November is not yet two weeks old, but in that short period of time, we have experienced at least two significant developments: the record-breaking ascent of COVID-19 cases and the changing of the guard in our nation’s highest office.
Each of us has been affected in different way. Some have caught the virus and been hospitalized; others have tested positive without symptoms; still others have managed to elude the notorious micro-organism. Politically, some are rejoicing, others are relieved; some are disappointed, others are angry.
At times like these, when world events conspire to unsettle and even overwhelm us, we need to be reminded about the rock of our faith in Jesus Christ, and the promise from the eighth verse of the final chapter of Hebrews that “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” He has never changed, and he never will. His teachings and the commands of His Father have remained the same since the time when they were first revealed. We know the truth — the same truth that our ancient ancestors heard centuries ago.
So, in both good times and bad, we are instructed, encouraged, and inspired to follow the truth of God’s Holy Word – the only truth that really matters — and we can find great comfort in the Book of Psalms including these passages:
· Psalm 16:7-9 – I will praise the Lord who counsels me; even at night my heart instructs me. I keep my eyes always on the Lord. With him at my right hand, I shall not be shaken. Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest secure.
· Psalm 27:1 – The Lord is my light and my salvation – whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life – of whom shall I be afraid?
· Psalm 56: 3-4 – When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. In God, whose word I praise – in God I trust and am not afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?
So take heart, be not afraid, even as things change — or more accurately, especially as things change — let us hold firm in that which never fails — our faith. May our faith lift us up, give us strength, and help us to be resilient, realizing that the more things change, the more important it is for us to follow the one who remains the same.
Until we meet again, Be Blessed! – Pastor John