Good morning! As I sit here this morning I can’t help but think about the GOODNESS of God! I am so undeserving of His love, but thankfully His love is not dependent on what I do. His love is unconditional – which means that He loves ALL people regardless of what they have done! I am so undeserving of His favor, but through all things (good and bad) He has continued to make them count for His glory! I am so undeserving of His guidance, yet He has guarded my every step and continues to lead me into good things!
God is absolutely amazing in the way that He NEVER changes! The Bible tells us that He is the same yesterday, today, and forever! I don’t know anyone else that could make that claim – I sure can’t! I have gone through different fads in my lifetime and have changed a lot through the years – for the better ONLY because of the work of the Holy Spirit in my life!
I remember a time when I listened to rap music SMH – if you know me today, you know I am NOT a fan of rap music (although I will listen to Christian rap artists with Josh with the agreement that he chooses songs that I can understand the lyrics). There was a time when I used curse words to fit in with a certain crowd, but now looking back I see how ridiculous that was. There was a time when I had spiky bleach blonde hair and I was the best man at my brother’s wedding (sorry Pete LOL – I sure ruined those pictures). There was a time when I didn’t have a beard – what was I thinking LOL!
But seriously, there are so many things that have changed through the years that someone who knew me many years ago may not even recognize me today – but through all the changes in my life, God has remained the same!
He has loved me the same, even though I now have a deeper understanding and appreciation for His love! He has always remained a constant immovable rock, even though I now hold onto Him tighter than ever before. He has always been my provider, even though now I want less for myself and more for the people around me! He has always pursued a relationship with me, even though now I am more responsive as He talks with me.
Sometimes it seems like God is close and other times it seems like He is far. Sometimes I feel like I’m His favorite, and other times I feel like the forgotten child. Sometimes I think He is rewarding me for my ‘good’ behavior, and other times I feel like I’m being punished because of my bad choices. Sometimes I feel like God has a plan for the circumstance I’m in, and other times I wonder if He knows what He is doing (like I know better LOL).
For these reasons and more, it is important for us to not allow our feelings to decide who God is. Our feelings can change at the drop of a hat and are really so unpredictable. Many times our feelings are dependent on our circumstance; if things are good, so are our feelings and attitude – if things are bad, watch out world here comes the rage monster (shout out to Dude Perfect).
“if we are faithless, he remains faithful, for he cannot disown himself.”
2 Timothy 2:13
This is a verse in the Bible that has recently come to life for me in a new way. I think about the many ways I have changed and how I have valued different things at different times throughout the years. I think about how my relationship with God has changed and how I am closer to Him now than ever before. This verse reminds me that it was not God that was changing, it was me. There are times in my life where I go hot and cold, but through every season – He remains the same, He cannot deny Himself!
So the next time you FEEL like God has abandoned you, remember that just as He was with the Israelites in the wilderness, just as He was with David when was up against Goliath, just as He was with Daniel in the lion’s den, just as He was with Jonah in the belly of the fish – He will be with you!
Heavenly Father, thank You that You remain the same! Thank You for Your unconditional love! Thank You for Your constant provision! Thank You for being with us in every season! Help us to hold on to the truth that You do not change in the moments when we feel differently. Help us to remain steadfast in our love for You! In Jesus Name – AMEN!
Be Transformed 