Change. Everything around us is constantly changing—the seasons, the weather, circumstances, people, and finances. When I think about the many changes I’ve made in my life, it’s dizzying! As I consider fluctuations and uncertainties of life, the sharp contrast of the character of the Lord comes to mind. That the Lord does not change is not a topic I often dwell on, but one that has significant implications for the way I approach my life, finances, and the things I know to be true. As I enter this phase of my life, making some career decisions that will impact me financially, I have to slow my thoughts and pace to remember who God is and that His promises are true…. always and forever. This leads me to trust in God’s immutability. The word, immutability, is one of those big, fancy words that simply means: unchangeable.
God does not change; He isn’t altered; He isn’t in process; HE IS as He has always been and always will be. It’s an important truth to remember in the ups and downs of life, especially when it comes to financial change. In the midst of circumstances that are difficult and incomprehensible, resting in the character of the Lord doesn’t always feel like I’m standing on solid ground. But I must remember that His will never changes, the direction of His actions remains constant, and yet He is active and moving within the circumstance. So, when I begin to think, “What if?” and “Will I have enough?” the unchanging nature of the Lord offers me a foundation to reframe my thoughts and understanding in His Word.
“That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food, and your body more than clothing? Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to Him than they are? Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? And why worry about your clothing? Look at the lilies of the field and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, He will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith? So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and He will give you everything you need. So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.”—Matthew 6:25-33(NLT)
I have no reference to immutability in my life. Everything I see, everyone I know, every part of my life experience is changing and in process. What that means is that it’s not a natural jump to rest on something that is changeless. However, when I seek God’s will and trust God’s promises, I can take comfort and confidence in my Lord, which allows me to reject a fearful spirit and develop a thankful attitude in all circumstances.