Changes, Changes, and More Changes

We couldn’t ask for a more beautiful day in the Ozarks – 74 degrees with bright sunshine and a light breeze. But things are definitely changing. The leaves on my redbud trees have turned a variegated yellow and green; the large white hydrangeas are brown; and much of my garden is gone. Even the shadows on the privacy fence look different because the sun’s position in the sky has changed.

As widows, we’ve come through so many – even staggering – changes. A new widow and I talked of all the people that had to be contacted after her husband’s passing. The list seemed never to end for changes to address labels, bank accounts, credit cards, insurances, car ownership, Social Security. Even changes around us seem to magnify a widow’s sense of instability. The unsettled economy and disturbing world news tell us that other significant changes may be on the horizon. Is there anything that is stable in our lives?

If we believe the truth of John 3:16 (that God so loved the world that He gave His only Son so that we would not perish), we can say an absolute YES! Three of the Gospels record Jesus’ words: “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away” (Matt. 24:35, Mark 13:31, Luke 21:33). Did you notice the word never? This word, along with always and constantly, are generalizations that writers are not to use. But Jesus said that God’s Word remains true and constant, regardless of life circumstances. We can depend on His Word.

Deuteronomy 31:6 says, “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you,” Hebrews 13:5 repeats this same promise. When Jesus said “I am with you always to the very end of the age,” He used another generalization – always. As widows, we feel abandoned at times, but we can depend on God’s presence in our lives regardless of all the changes around us.

When the world around us seems to be crumbling and newscasters shake their heads wondering what will happen next, we can with confidence know that God’s Word will guide us and His Presence will bring comfort and joy through every storm.