As a recent college graduate, there is only one thing that scares me about the future. For the last 21 years of my life, I have lived in Sewickley (or Lynchburg for college) and had a pretty consistent schedule. My job was to go to school and swim practice during the week, and then church on Sundays. I am a very organized kid, and I like planning for things in advance. Naturally, deviating from my usual patterns makes me a little anxious. So, what scares me? Change. And uncertainty. Change and uncertainty for the future. My future, the future of our church, the future of our country… the list is truly endless.

Over the last year, there has been a lot of change in our lives. Most changes I can handle because they are often gradual and not noticeable at first. With the pandemic, our world suddenly shut down, and the change happened almost overnight. One day, I was in my college apartment laughing with my housemates and watching movies, and the next morning I was taking my posters off the walls and locking the front door for the last time. Change can be scary and filled with uncertainty. Our world is still in the process of changing. With the country opening up again, many people are looking ahead to a “new normal.”

In Malachi 3:6, God declares “I, the Lord, never change…” The Bible shows us time and time again that God never changes. His kindness, love, mercy, and wisdom are perfect and everlasting. Many things in life change, but our faith is something we can always count on. Change for its own sake is neither good nor bad. It depends on the direction you let it take you. Lean on your faith in God to help you get through the changes and uncertainties in life.

On Sunday, June 6, at 8:49 pm, from wherever you are, and whomever you are with, consider lifting a prayer for the changes in our country, in our church, and in your own life. Are there decisions and changes you need to make that are causing you anxiety? Are you worried about the future? Ask God for his continued wisdom and remember that he will be with you through all the changes in life.

The sun will set and rise again, and that is something that will never change.

Photo by Matt Wiebe