“For I the Lord do not change; therefore you, O children of Jacob, are not consumed”—Malachi 3:6 (ESV).
Change in life is a guarantee. We can fear it, ignore it, gripe about it, become anxious, or we can embrace it. I’m struggling right now to embrace a forced transition from Windows 7 to Windows 10. My thoughts are “if it ain’t broke, why change it?”
Waiting until the last minute to make the switch, I was thankful my techie brother-in-law was available to download and install the new operating system. It’s like going from crawling to walking in 60 seconds with lots of stumbling along the way.
Making changes is difficult when you’re set in your ways or happy with the status quo. It’s even more challenging when it’s imposed on you. I’m trying to remain positive as I learn the intricacies of this new system.
Remaining Positive When Facing Change
Most of us don’t like to make changes unless it is something we choose. We like things to be familiar and predictable. Knowing what to expect when we wake up each morning brings comfort and peace. But life is in a constant state of change.
I’m technologically challenged and learning a new program at age 66 is something I’d rather not embrace. However, I realize the challenge is good for my brain cells. That’s the positive about my computer upgrade.
Once I’ve conquered Window 10, I’m sure I’ll discover more positive things about the new program. As I told a friend, I can’t change it, so why moan about it. Moaning about the inevitable doesn’t solve any problems. However, we usually moan the inconvenience.
Change Can Be Inconvenient and Painful
There’s always an element of inconvenience, and sometimes an element of pain, when we’re facing the unknown. For example, when a health or relationship status changes, it can be overwhelming.
Even when the change is for good, it can be painful. Let’s say you’ve accepted a new job in another city or state. Leaving friends and familiar places behind can be a challenge or it can be a time to embrace the new.
An anonymous quotation reads, “Change is not made without inconvenience, even from worse to better.” Even temporary change can rattle our peace.
Finding Peace in a God who Never Changes
As we encounter changes in our lives, and as the world around us continues to change, we can find hope in a God who never changes. In Malachi 3:6, we read, “For I the LORD do not change; therefore you, O children of Jacob, are not consumed.”
With God, there is no inconsistency. He is the same God who created the universe, the same God who met Moses on Mount Sinai, the same God who put David on the throne and then forgave him for adultery. The same God who took on human flesh in the form of a small child is also the One who gave up His Son when Jesus died for our sins.
Yesterday, today, and forever He is the God who is “gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. The Lord is good to all, and His mercy is over all that He has made” (Psalm 145:8–9).
The Good News About Change
What’s the good news about change? God has a plan for your life. Jeremiah 29:11 says, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
Placing our trust in the Creator of the Universe allows us to become more like Jesus Christ in how we respond and act, then we are promised “all things work together for good for those who love Him and keep His commandments (Romans 8:28). Change is good.
The world will continue to change, circumstances will continue to change, we will change, but God’s Word never changes. There’s no need to fear change.
