God Doesn't Change

Not too long ago, I went through something that I would least expect.  I was doing all the right things, but I experienced a spiritual dryness.  Things seemed dull and gray - like our overcast skies can be.  I wondered why.  I looked at a lot of possibilities, and asked the Lord about it.  To be honest, I couldn't find a specific reason.

I realized that others in the Bible had gone through times of dryness - David, Elijah, Jeremiah, Peter.  At least I was in good company!  I'm sure I've had times like this before in my life, but after the richness of the Lord's fellowship during Floyd's illness and my cancer journey - I was surprised at the difference.

I decided to stop trying to analyze it and just persevere through it.  I pressed in close to the Lord - to the "Vine" because "without Him I can do nothing."  I continued doing all the "right" things - praying, reading the Word, worshipping, reading/listening to rich messages, spending time in the Lord's presence, etc.  Then, one day - it was gone as quickly as it had appeared.  I always like to know "why" things happen.....but this was a mystery.  Like other things in life, I just walked through it to the other side.

The end result was that I was encouraged.....because whatever I'm going through God doesn't change.  He's always the same, and He'll get me through every single season I face.  He's so faithful!

"I am the vine; you are the branches.  If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing."  John 15:5

"You, God, are my God, earnestly I seek you; I thirst for you, my whole being longs for you, in a dry and parched land where there is no water."  Psalm 63:1

"The Lord will guide you always; He will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail."  Isaiah 58:11

When we're humble and dependent, He will lead us through the desert times to times of flowing waters.  I'm so grateful for how He helped me.

Our Unchangeable God

I hear from people far and wide who are nervous, anxious, fearful, worried about world events.  Certainly unsettling things are taking place in our world.....things that we would have never dreamed of happening.  The concerning feelings are understandable.  I, too, have had moments of feeling vulnerable.

If ever there were a time to keep our eyes on the Lord, it's certainly now!!  The world as we know it is changing.  But we serve an unchangeable God.  He is our Rock, our sure foundation.  He will carry us through the changes.  People and institutions may fail us, but God won't.  He is constant and unfailing.

When I think back to all the ways God has helped me in the recent difficult years with Floyd's illness, my cancer, some family crisis's, and ministry emergencies - all I can do is praise and thank the Lord for His mercy, grace, and help.  He has carried me through everything!  Nothing caused Him to waver.  Nothing shook Him up!  He helped me time and time again.

When we face uncertainty in these current days of change - it's good to look back and remember how God has helped us in the past.  It assures us of His help in the present situations!

" 'Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed,' says the Lord, who has compassion on you."  Isaiah 54:10

"Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me."  Psalm 23:4

"Lift up your eyes to the heavens, look at the earth beneath; the heavens will vanish like smoke, the earth will wear out like a garment and its inhabitants die like flies.  But my salvation will last forever, my righteousness will never fail."  Isaiah 51:6

"Come to me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.  Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls."  Matthew 11:28,29

"Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail.  They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness."  Lamentations 3:22

"It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in man."  Psalm 118:8

Whatever we read in the news - it's important to balance it with what we read in the Bible!  God is with us.  He will help us in the changing world.  He'll never fail us!