The Constant

Constancy is an underrated commodity in our modern world. Mobile telephones, computers, media technology, automobiles, even cooking appliances seem to become outdated almost upon market entry. Families and individuals move on a regular and frequent basis. Rare is the individual who lives in the community where his grandparents lived. As a society we have embraced change to an amazing degree. This brings with it many stresses that our forebears never faced.

As I wrote earlier, our churches change methods seemingly at the drop of a hat. Our families face a barrage of change on a regular basis. Some changes are inevitable and wonderful: the growth of children, the deepening of relationships, marriage and children, these are good and a blessing. Other changes such as the blurring of familial roles, the demands placed upon working fathers, and the continual drone of the siren call of a fallen world to 'blend in' place a burden upon God fearing families.

What is the constant upon which we can depend? Obviously it is our unchanging Sovereign Lord. This may seem simple; but it is profound. He has placed us in this world at this time. He stands in stark contrast to the fluid society in which we live. This fact should make it much easier for the Christian to remain steadfast. Yet, many Christians are overwhelmed by the changes which they face. Why is this?

At the risk of offending I offer this: While most Christians say that God is sovereign they really do not believe it. Very few in the American church will stand and say that God is the absolute final determiner of events. Mention the fact that a hurricane's course is directed by God and you are called an eccentric at best. You may even be labeled an heretic. To what extent does the sovereignty of God extend? Proverbs 16:33 says, ' The lot is cast into the lap, but the disposition thereof is of the Lord.' Today we would say, 'The dice are rolled, but the numbers that come up come from God.' No, this is not a license to play games of chance. It is, however, a very clear indicator of just how far the the work of God extends into the affairs of man. This is not fatalism. This is a statement of explicit faith in God. The modern view of God is far too small. Modern Christianity's view of God is one of a God who is hindered from truly exercising his power. He is dependent upon the actions of others to accomplish his will. This is a far cry from the picture of God that is painted in the Biblical narrative.

How does this affect us in our daily struggle amidst the changes of life? In every way. Once the Christian surrenders his haughty intellect to the truth of our Sovereign Lord a true, deep, and lasting peace can enter the heart. We can trust unrelentingly upon the goodness of our God. We need not despair when unforeseen change occurs; regardless of how painful that change may be. Think about it. How could an unsovereign God fulfill the promise of Romans 8:28?

God is our constant.