EMBRACING ETERNAL EDICTS
The grass withers and the flowers fade, but the Word of our God stands forever.
Isaiah 40:8 (NLT)
When you're growing up, there are a lot of things that you genuinely think will last forever. You're certain you'll be best friends with someone forever until you grow up and your interests grow apart. You're positive you'll always love that band or artist until you're old and grey. But then you mature, and your tastes shift. Or maybe you think the hobby that you hold so dear will never fade from your life. But then the realities of time, money and an aging body take those things from you (so long Ultimate Frisbee tournaments!).
Some things simply don't last. It's sad, but true. And yet, the Word of God stands forever.
In a world full of change, God's Word never does. Public opinion on social issues may fluctuate, but God is constant. Consider what the writer of Hebrews says in Hebrews 13:8 (NLT): Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.
Jesus isn't going to suddenly realize one day that His Word is out of step with cultural and societal norms and then change it. His truth is eternal, standing for all time. As much as society might disagree, there is such a thing as absolute truth. Where some might try to make it relative, citing that what works for you works for you and what works for me works for me, we know better. God is constant, never wishy-washy or shifty. Part of James 1:17 says: He never changes or casts a shifting shadow. This is a great comfort because you know that God isn't suddenly going to move the goalposts on you one day. And you can also take comfort in knowing that unlike so much of what we see in this world, His Word will never fade or change. He and His Word are constant, a comfort in the shifting sands and storms of this life.
APPLICATION: What timeless truths can you extract from Scripture? Make a short list in your journal or phone. Give God thanks for them! Ask Him to reveal more to you as you continue to prioritize His Word and pursue Him there.
PRAYER: Thank You, Lord, for the timeless truths in Your Word. Help me to remain steadfast in the midst of a world that is in constant flux. Anchor me in Your Word. In Jesus' name, amen.
“… Our Father in heaven…” Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
- What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
“… may Your name be kept holy.” Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
- What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
“May Your Kingdom come soon.” Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
- Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
“Give us today the food we need,” Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
- Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I’m around today?
“and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us” Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
- Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
“And don’t let us yield to temptation…” Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
- Is there anywhere I’m vulnerable to temptation?