READ: MALACHI 3:6; HEBREWS 13:1-8; JAMES 1:17

We live in a world where things are constantly changing. Music, friendships, clothing styles, circumstances—they all change. Some changes are good; some are not so good. But even in the midst of all this change, we can rest knowing that Jesus will always stay the same. He will always love us and always keep His promises. And once we’ve put our trust in Jesus, we can be sure that He will never leave us and that we’ll live with Him forever.

Hebrews 13:8 says, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” And Romans 8:35-39 tells us that nothing can separate us from His love. In fact, part of God’s greatness is that He’s always the same. He’s the one unchanging factor in an ever-changing world.

So, no matter what changes we face in our lives, we can rely on Jesus. He is who He says He is, and He keeps all His promises. Jesus went to the cross, giving up His very life for us, and rose from the grave to beat sin and death. And He will return one day and make all things new—free from sin and death forever. In the meantime, God is working all things together “for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28). This hope we have is real and unchanging: we belong to Jesus, and no matter what kinds of changes we experience in this broken world, we can know that His love never changes. • A. W. Smith

• What kinds of changes are going on in your life right now? What about the world in general? How do you feel about these changes? Consider taking some time to talk with Jesus about these changes and how you feel about them.

• Why is it important to remember that Jesus is unchanging? How could this truth help us rest in His love, and better love our neighbors?

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. Hebrews 13:8 (NIV)