Seven Promises that Remain in Changing Seasons
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“For I the Lord do not change.”
Malachi 3:6a ESV
Red and gold leaves flutter in the wind. They flow from one tree among hundreds that are still stuck in summer. The tree is lit on fire with seasonal change and hails the first visible sign of fall. Once again, I am reminded that this life is ever-changing.
Just as nature cycles through seasons, we all experience different seasons in this life. Seasons of difficulty, loss, and loneliness come to everyone. And so do seasons of beauty, joy, and fruitfulness. I’ve experienced the ups and downs––and know that more are sure to come.
While I survey the tree in its metamorphosis, I’m prompted to question: In the midst of change, what things are certain to remain?
There are promises found in God’s Word that offer us hope and help amid the vast changes we experience in this life. A truth that we can lean on is that God’s character always remains the same. And because His character doesn’t change, we can be confident that these seven things will remain:
God’s love remains.
“For the mountains may depart and the hills be removed,
but my steadfast love shall not depart from you,
and my covenant of peace shall not be removed,”
says the Lord, who has compassion on you.
Isaiah 54:10 ESV
Unfortunately, we live in a society where it’s all about doing. We can get caught in the performance trap as we strive for perfection. This attitude easily bleeds over into our spiritual life, and we begin to think that God’s love is based upon how well we perform for Him. Blessedly, God’s love is steady, never wavering, and not dependent upon us.
God’s presence remains.
He has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”
Hebrews 13:5b ESV
Trials that test our faith can leave us feeling alone and forgotten. Our enemy will try to convince us that God has left us and doesn’t care about our struggles. That’s when we can shout the truth to our hearts and proclaim the words of Jesus. He has promised to be with us always.
God’s mercy remains.
The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies
never come to an end; they are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness.
Lamentations 3:22-23 ESV
Same problem, same struggle, and same failure. That’s where I find myself some days, and I dare say you probably do, too. Perhaps your challenge is an out-of-control temper, speaking words that hurt instead of heal, or seeking comfort outside of the Lord’s will. No matter what we face, our Father extends mercy that we only have to reach out to receive.
God’s Word remains.
“The grass withers, and the flower falls, but
the word of the Lord remains forever.”
1 Peter 1:24b ESV
There’s a falsehood rampant in our world. It claims that truth can differ and is dependent on what a person chooses to believe. Not so! Blessedly, we have the Word of God––the truth––to stand on when this world seems to tilt on its axes. It’s a firm foundation that will never waver, shift, or lead us wrong. Amen.
God’s faithfulness remains.
Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering,
for he who promised is faithful.
Hebrews 10:23 ESV
Humanity will falter, fail, and fade away. In today’s economy, there are few promises that we can count on when it comes from people. But with God every promise is steadfast, unwavering, and immovable. His faithfulness endures and never fluctuates!
God’s peace remains.
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you.
Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts
be troubled, neither let them be afraid.
John 14:27 ESV
Wealth, health, and happiness are touted as the highest goals in this life. Falsely, we begin to equate these with peace. Then when we endure seasons of financial struggle, failing health, and loss, our peace flies like a feather on the wind. True peace is a Person, and His name is Jesus Christ. Regardless of our circumstances, we can always find constant peace in His presence.
God’s control remains.
He changes times and seasons; he removes kings and sets up kings;
he gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those
who have understanding; he reveals deep and hidden things;
he knows what is in the darkness, and the
light dwells with him.
Daniel 2:21-22 ESV
Hard seasons can bring complex questions. We may be left wondering why, when, and for how long? And some of those answers may never come in this life. That’s when we must simply trust that the Lord knows the answers and that He is––always and forever––in control.
Hope in what remains.
Friend, I don’t know what season you find yourself in today or what questions flood your mind. What I do know is that no matter whether hard or easy, we––children of the most High God––can be certain that the Lord is in it.
He has promised His presence, His peace, His mercy, and His love. We can stand on the truth of His Word as we trust that His faithfulness will see us through. In this season, and every season, our Father is in control. He will surely use it for our good––and His glory.
