Cling to God’s Faithfulness in Times of Change

 

Change and adaptation will continue as aspects of our lives in 2021. The events of 2020 will continue to impact our lives fo some time. The ways we shop, dine out, and travel are different now.

Among other things, you notice that our language changed? New words have appeared common conversation. “Pandemic” was something in history but now is in the news every day. “Flatten the curve” was heard daily for months.

 

In an article on The Guardian, the linguists at the Oxford English Dictionary said

There were too many words to sum up the events of 2020. Tracking its vast corpus of more than 11 billion words found in web-based news, blogs and other text sources, its lexicographers revealed what the dictionary described as “seismic shifts in language data and precipitous frequency rises in new coinage” over the past twelve months.

Prior to 2020, “lockdown” meant closing a building due to impending danger, “bubble” was part of a relaxing bath or child’s play with a plastic wand, and “social distancing” was living in the country.

Those are only a few of the words with additional meanings as a result of life in the pandemic. Not only have we had to adapt to lifestyle changes, but also revisions in language.

It’s hard to embrace change, but I’m learning that it is a necessary skill for daily life.

One thing hasn’t changed—God’s faithfulness.

Holding on to God’s faithfulness is like having a handrail in the dark. He is  a steady rock that we can cling to when life is turned upside down. In the past year, I found peace in knowing that God is faithful in midst of turmoil. He promised His presence and will never leave us. God’s grace and faithfulness are stabilizers.

God is true to His word and promises; He is reliable and trusted. The Bible doesn’t change.

God’s faithfulness is displayed throughout the Bible.

He is a covenant keeper through all generations.

Know therefore that the Lord your God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commandments. Deuteronomy 7:9

All the ways of the Lord are loving and faithful toward those who keep the demands of his covenant. Psalm 25:10

God is upright and just. The image of God as the rock—firm and foundational—is used throughout scripture.

He is the Rock, his works are perfect, and all his ways are just. A faithful God who does no wrong, upright and just is he. Deuteronomy 32:4

There is no one holy like the Lord; there is no one besides you; there is no Rock like our God. 1 Samuel 2:2

From the ends of the earth I call to you, I call as my heart grows faint; lead me to the rock that is higher than I. Psalm 61:2

We are guided by the Lord and can count on His faithfulness.

Teach me your way, Lord, that I may rely on your faithfulness; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name. Psalm 86:11

God’s words and actions are true to His purposes.

For the word of the Lord is right and true; he is faithful in all he does. Psalm 33:4

Because of God’s faithfulness, we can hope in Him every new day.

Your love, Lord, reaches to the heavens, your faithfulness to the skies. Psalm 36:5

Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. Hebrews 10:23

He is faithful in forgiving us.

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9

God hears us when we cry out to Him in prayer.

Lord, hear my prayer, listen to my cry for mercy; in your faithfulness and righteousness come to my relief. Psalm 143:1

He is faithful to protect and strengthen us.

The Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen and protect you from the evil one. 2 Thessalonians 3:3

When life is in turmoil, God’s faithfulness is certain.

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 3:22-23

Thomas Chisholm was a pastor for a short time. Due to his health, he changed careers and became an insurance agent.  Throughout his life he wrote poems. The wrote the lyrics to “Great is The Faithfulness” are a result of seeing the day-to-day faithfulness of God throughout his life.

At age seventy-five he wrote, “My income has never been large at any time due to impaired health in the earlier years which has followed me until now. But I must not fail to record here the unfailing faithfulness of a covenant-keeping God and that He has given many wonderful displays of His provide care which have filled me with astonishing gratefulness.”

In spite of health difficulties and meager income, Chisholm praised God for His faithfulness. The lyrics have blessed many for generations.

Great is Thy Faithfulness

“Great is Thy faithfulness,” O God my Father,
There is no shadow of turning with Thee;
Thou changest not, Thy compassions, they fail not
As Thou hast been Thou forever wilt be.

“Great is Thy faithfulness!” “Great is Thy faithfulness!”
Morning by morning new mercies I see;
All I have needed Thy hand hath provided—
“Great is Thy faithfulness,” Lord, unto me!

Summer and winter, and springtime and harvest,
Sun, moon and stars in their courses above,
Join with all nature in manifold witness
To Thy great faithfulness, mercy and love.

Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth,
Thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide;
Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow,
Blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside!   
public domain

The lyrics of the old hymn have touched my heart many times.

Old words and new words surround us in the change.

Old words of assurance from the Lord and new words in the dictionary, all in the changing world.

With all the changes we face, turn the faithful God for comfort and hope. People change. Situations change.

Your faithfulness continues through all generations; you established the earth, and it endures. Psalm 119:90

God remains faithful through it all.

For peace of mind, cling to God’s faithfulness in these times of change.