There is a saying in Iowa, that if you don’t like the weather, just wait a minute, it will change. When I woke up yesterday, I had heard we may get a dusting of snow, but I didn’t expect over 3” to last through a good part of the day. That’s not too out of line for February, but for mid-April after people have already started mowing, it is a bit unusual. We can generally count on the seasons to progress in order, but the weather is a little more finicky from day to day. What things can you count on being the same each day in your life?
Lord, what are human beings that you care for them, mere mortals that you think of them? They are like a breath; their days are like a fleeting shadow. Psalm 144:3-4
As another saying goes…nothing is for certain, except death and taxes. There are some who expend a lot of time and energy trying to avoid both of these. Some try not to pay more taxes than they have to, both by legal and illegal means. But in the end, the government usually wins, even if after death, so its like a 2 for 1 deal, death and taxes. Yesterday was the traditional day when taxes were due, and if you owe, you get a 3 month CoronaVirus extension. If you are getting a refund, you probably should have had them done 2 months ago, because the government doesn’t pay you interest on your money. Inevitably, we pay income, sales, and property taxes, among others to help our local, state, and national governments do the things they are supposed to do to keep things moving forward in predictable ways for the benefit of the society we live in. This doesn’t always happen the way we want all the time, but it seems to work most of the time. What would you change if you could call all the shots in how our government and society worked?
Then he said to them, “So give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.” Matthew 22:21
For there is nothing hidden that will not be disclosed, and nothing concealed that will not be known or brought out into the open. Luke 8:17
There are a lot more uncertainties in our world right now as well, and people often ask, ‘when will we go back to normal life again?’ When we experience a lot of change in our lives from disease, death, moving our job or home, or other big life changes, we tend to hold tight to other things that do not change. Often this may be family members and friends who support us, and help us when in need. Some may depend on money to get them out of a tough spot. We may also turn to God, often when we are out of all other options, and we may need a miracle. Do you count on any promises God has made to you in His Word? What things do you turn to when some parts of your security and life are more in question?
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9
So, whether things are a little shaky in your world right now, or whether they are pretty good, you can still turn to the same Word, that reveals to us a God who does not change, and who loves and wants to bless His people. A God who demonstrates strength through the weak. A God who is alive an active among those who trust in Him. A God who allows the world to turn on its axis and for us to take another breath each day we wake up, till that one day we don’t, when we will be with Him. So, in our remaining time here, let us put our trust, our faith, and our hope in the One who does not change, so that we will be changed and become more like Him each day.
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. Hebrews 13:8
Yours in Christ,
Clark
