Things that don't change...

Daily Gratitude Year 7 - Day 18: Today, I am grateful for the things that don't change. 

This world seems to be speeding up. With technology advancing by leaps and bounds with each new invention and discovery, it can leave our heads spinning. Let's pause to  choose gratitude for the things that don't change. 

There is the mother's sacrificial love for her children. A father's desire to protect and provide for his family. The way a child's heart longs to love and be loved in return by their parents... and a parent longs for the same thing. 

"To love and be loved is to feel the sun from both sides." -David Viscott


The sun rises. The sun sets. The earth revolves around the sun and the moon gently calls the tides to rise and relax. The seasons will change in the same order, every trip around the sun. Ordinary miracles, we witness every day. The earth hangs perfectly in place. 

 Whatever is good and perfect is a gift coming down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens. He never changes or casts a shifting shadow. -James 1:17


I don't know about you, but that verse calms my spirit like few others.  He is the Father of Lights, and he knows our names. He way is good. While evil operates often in the shifting shadows, our God stays true to His character in the light. He brings us good things. 

In the this verse from Malachi, he is reminding the Israelites of His promise to Jacob. He allows them consequences for bad behaviors and not following his instructions, but He ultimately protects them from complete destruction again and again throughout history.  

“I am the Lord, and I do not change. That is why you descendants of Jacob are not already destroyed.-Malachi 3:6

Who are the people in your life who are the most consistent in behaviors and mood? Do you find a comfort in knowing what to expect? I do. Does God have different moods? We are made in his image, right? 

The scriptures tell of us His righteous anger... and the joyful times heaven celebrates. Sometimes he is pleased and other times disappointed and sad. The thing we can know for sure is that His character does not change. His intentional desire to seek a relationship with us... created beings... with a longing to love and be loved in return is real and true. He responds to our needs. He loves us ... even when we break His heart. 

To love and be loved by the Master of the Universe... is there anything better? 

Today, I am grateful for the things that don't change... and for our... God who doesn't change.