Cling to the Rock

Jim Bucklew
Written By Jeff Rybacki
 

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.

James 1:17

I absolutely love this season of autumn. The cooler temperatures make me feel alive again, and the fall colors seem to shout out the glory of God, almost demanding that we stop and praise our awesome Lord and Creator! I am grateful for the changing of the seasons here in Wisconsin, in general. Each has its unique attributes that we can appreciate at the time, as well as some attributes that make us thankful for the next season. All in all, the whole cycle of seasons – and the unique elements of each – remind us of the incredible, immeasurable creativity of God. 

Not all change is welcome, however. Sometimes – perhaps often – change evokes a negative response in us. We can react with frustration, anger, fear, or anxiety. There can be the larger, cultural changes that occur over longer periods of time, such as the slow erosion of biblical values and moral standards. We look at the accepted behavior in the world around us and think, “How could this be happening?” “When did this become okay?” “WHY did this become okay?!” Things that were once taboo in music, movies and TV are now commonplace and socially accepted (and readily available to young eyes/ears). We might be frustrated by the technological changes that have ushered in the age of social media – supposedly making us more “connected” yet in actuality making us more isolated, more “cloud-based”. We are losing the skill of (and the interest in) real, personal interaction. Covid-19 has certainly not helped in that regard. Especially in the last decade or so we seem to have lost all sense of civility and respect for one another. We don’t know how to disagree without getting verbally abusive, or even violent. Some are even trying to rewrite history, as if by sheer will alone, one could change the facts. 

Sometimes change is more acute, immediate and personal. We might experience an accident, an unexpected severe illness, or the death of a loved one. The sudden loss of a job can be quite devastating. We might face unexpected expenses that cripple us financially. Sometimes we are faced with the unforseen abandonment by a spouse through divorce. Our children growing up and going off to college or starting out on their own is a normal part of life, yet the change is sometimes understandably difficult for a parent to process. Change, whether for the good or not-so-good can create a stress reaction in us, and lead to anxiety.

All of these types of changes can catch us off-guard and leave us feeling helpless and looking for some solid ground to stand on – something known and steady to cling to. We read in Hebrews 13:8 that, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” And in Malachi 3:6 – “For I the LORD do not change…” 

Again in Matthew 24:35, Jesus says, “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.” That’s why He is our Rock, and not shifting sand (see Mt 7:24-27). We can say along with David, “The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer; my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.” (Ps 18:2) 

The culture around us may change, but God will not. Neither will His precepts, His commands, nor His definition of sin (as much as fallen humanity would like to “adjust” those things to their liking). But neither will His love for us. He is good. And we can trust Him. And we can cling to that wholeheartedly, assured by the promises of His unchanging Word. 

I think this is summed up beautifully in the old hymn by Thomas O. Chisholm:

Great Is Thy Faithfulness

Great is Thy faithfulness, O God my Father,There is no shadow of turning with Thee;Thou changest not, Thy compassions, they fail notAs Thou hast been Thou forever wilt be.Great is Thy faithfulness! Great is Thy faithfulness!Morning by morning new mercies I see;All I have needed Thy hand hath provided—Great is Thy faithfulness,  Lord, unto me!

Summer and winter, and springtime and harvest,Sun, moon and stars in their courses above,Join with all nature in manifold witnessTo Thy great faithfulness, mercy and love.

Great is Thy faithfulness! Great is Thy faithfulness!Morning by morning new mercies I see; All I have needed Thy hand hath provided—Great is Thy faithfulness,  Lord, unto me!

Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth,Thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide;Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow,Blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside!

Great is Thy faithfulness! Great is Thy faithfulness!Morning by morning new mercies I see;All I have needed Thy hand hath provided—Great is Thy faithfulness,  Lord, unto me!

 
Jeff Rybacki
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