The Same

One of Merriam-Webster’s definitions of “the same” is “someone or something that has not changed: something that is exactly like it was at
an earlier time.” In the scripture above we are being reassured that Jesus Christ is the same yesterday (the past), today (the present), and forever (the future). How good to know that throughout our seasons and our struggles, He is our constant. He is firm. He is steadfast. And his love is enduring and everlasting. Wow.

I don’t know about you, but this verse brings me great comfort, especially these days of uncertainty. Changes always await us, but instead of being overwhelmed with worry about what was, is, or might be, we can choose to place our trust in Jesus to walk with us. We metaphorically may place our hand in Jesus’ hand and our hearts in his loving care.
We remember daily that he is (read slowly and ponder):
Our beautiful savior,
Our unfailing forgiver,
Our faithful friend,
Our gentle healer,
Our tender comforter,
Our strong deliverer,
and our blessed grace-giver…who never, ever changes.

We remember often our baptism, the forgiveness of our sins and the promises of Christ’s presence in our lives as we live out our baptism all
of our days. His is a precious presence that will never cease.

Since March of 2020, so much has changed in our world. Very little has remained the same. People dear to us have died, pets have died, many sad things have happened. Our hearts are feeling so heavy most of the time. I can honestly say that this current year of 2021 has been for me a most challenging one. There have been stressful health issues and unpredictable family matters, days requiring great flexibility, times wrestling to accept age-related limitations…and on and on. The struggles are real and endless. BUT, through it all I have felt the boundless, steadfast love of Jesus holding me up and giving me strength as I needed it. Thanks be to God.