Those who trust in the LORD are like Mount Zion, which cannot be shaken but endures forever. Psalm 125:1

Ah, the last midweek devotional of 2010. What to write, what to write…?

The week between Christmas and New Year is always enjoyable to me. It feels like a seam or pause in the year; the middle space between what was (2010) and what will be (2011). Things here at the church slow down a bit, I get to enjoy the Christmas gifts that I have received; typically, there’s a good book under the tree for me. I also enjoy the ‘year in review’ programs and special interest stories on TV and the Washington Post. The kids are off school so in the evenings we play games together and watch old movies while snacking on bag upon bag of Christmas goodies and cookies. There’s not the pressure of homework or athletic practices. We go out to eat, often using gift cards we’ve gotten for Christmas. The bathroom scale is banished until after New Year’s. Life is good…

It is also a week of reflection. Another year has wound down and a new one is upon us. What happened in 2010? What will 2011 hold? For the economy? For my family? For our nation, community and church?

I think I’m more conscious of the passing of time this year- Josh is now almost taller than me (his shoe size is bigger)! And this past year my dad turned 70. In some ways I feel like my life is in a seam too- at an in between place. Life is constantly changing and sometimes I just want time to stand still.

When I feel wistful about the past, melancholy in the present or fearful of the future; in that place there is an opportunity to focus on and celebrate things which never change. I may be locked in the unrelenting stream of time, but God stands above time and his benefits towards his children transcend time and space. Here are a few of his promises…

• God’s love never changes… Give thanks to the God of heaven. His love endures forever (Psalm 136:26).
• God’s faithfulness never changes… For great is his love toward us, and the faithfulness of the LORD endures forever (Psalm 117:1).
• God’s word never changes… The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God stands forever (Isaiah 40:8).
• Jesus never changes… Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever (Hebrews 13:8).
• Our eternal destiny never changes… We will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air; and so, we will be with the Lord forever (1 Thessalonians 4:17).
• God’s reign never changes… The LORD reigns forever, your God, O Zion, for all generations. Praise the LORD (Psalm 146:10). 
• God’s righteousness never changes… Glorious and majestic are his deeds, and his righteousness endures forever (Psalm 111:3). 

And that is just a teaspoon of the Niagara Falls of God’s blessing that are eternally pouring over us. Take an online Bible program and look up the word “forever” and see what else is eternally secure with God.

When I think of God’s unchanging character and his forever promises to me, I feel better able to navigate our every changing world. In fact, with God holding my hand, I think I’m ready for the New Year!