“I the Lord do not change.” -God (Malachi 3:6)
God Does Not Change
During this time of quarantine, isolation, and abundant change, the words from Malachi 3:6 are a balm for my aching soul: “I the Lord do not change.”
My favorite attribute of God is His immutability. He is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow (Hebrews 13:8). This attribute provides comfort for both the caregiver and the chronic illness warrior.
Life in Uncertainty is Not New {For Some}
The current Covid19 pandemic forced everyone into isolation. Otherwise, healthy and abled-bodied individuals are in quarantine. For those of us with a chronic illness, staying at home, unable to participate in outside events is our normal. As Barbara Mandrell sang of being country when it wasn’t cool. Illness forced us to isolation. Many forced to abandon their careers because the companies refused to allow us to work from home. While the majority of the US moans of their lack of freedom, I want to sneer, (and I doubt I’m the only one) and say, “Welcome to my world.”
Living in uncertainty is nothing new for chronic illness warriors and caregivers. However, there are days when changes and uncertainty are overbearing.
Our Circumstances May Change, But God Does Not
Change is hard to process. Our questions dangle unanswered and become more tangled as new challenges arrive. Many of us can recall when our health changes began. Whether suddenly or subtlety, our healthy and active lives morphed into one of chronic illness and dependence on others. For me, my quirky symptoms shifted into overdrive in my forth decade. While somewhere in my genetic code a mutation occurred in my DNA, I take solace in remembering God does not change.
An Honest Prayer for Uncertain Times
Dear Heavenly Father,
I thank you for the promise that You do not change (Malachi 3:6). God, I can rest knowing You are the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow (Hebrews 13:8). Lord, so much of my life has changed and I need you. I desperately need the reminder today that You do not change nor cast shifting shadows (James 1:17).
My health has changed: from healthy to chronically ill. My mood has changed: from happy to bouts of depression and anger. Simple abilities have changed; someday I lack the strength to walk without help or get out of bed. Lord, You are my refuge and my strength, ever present help in times of trouble (Psalm 46:1). Whether or not I am abled-bodied, Lord, I take comfort in knowing I cannot escape your presence (Psalm 139:7-12).
Lord, my career and finances have changed, but you are my Jehovah Jireh, The Lord Who Provides (Genesis 22:14). My priorities have changed; rest and recovery are on my daily to-do list. My soul finds rest in God, and my hope comes from Him (Psalm 65:2). My posture has changed; some days my head droops and silent tears fall freely, but you Lord are the Lifter of my head (Psalm 3:3) Lord, I am grateful you do not change (Malachi 3:6).
Thank you in advance for answering my prayers. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
God Never Wakes Up Grumpy
Unlike us, God never changes. He never has an off day. His mood never fluctuates. He never wakes up on the grumpy side of the bed, because He never sleeps or slumbers (Psalm 121: 3-4). He does not have bad days, dreadful weeks, or hormonal changes. God never takes a day off. God is always good, constantly kind, and loving. He is long-suffering towards His children and full of tender compassion.
With each recent change and uncertainty, we can press on by finding solace in the unchanging character and compassion of God.
What current uncertainty do you need to firmly press into God’s open hands?
April White ©2020
This article was originally published for Broken But Priceless. BBP is a quarterly online magazine for those suffering from chronic illness and caregivers. You can read excerpts and sign up here.
Photo by Laura Chouette & Ben White on Unsplash Photo by Isaac Benhesed on Unsplash