He Never Changes

This morning in reading my notes from yesterday's sermon (delivered by Pastor Michael Durso), I decided to continue reading the book that he mostly emphasized, James. I found these words that I have never taken notice of before. They brought a new immense amount of comfort and a realization of how much I miss out on when I don't read the word, thinking that I already know all that there is to know. Growth happens is time...

"He will not rebuke you for asking." James 1:5

…and after reading these words, I felt more at liberty to ask God (without feeling that he would respond as others would or have in the past) for things that I lack. It was as if James knew that I would rebuttal the first part of this scripture: If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. As if he knew that I would make an excuse and simply not ask…kind of like the guy at the Bethesda pool. But in not asking, comes others things like complaining, jealously, bitterness, hopelessness, and…all others types of evil.

This line cut me off instantly. I had to stop for a minute to think. Is it really that simple? All I have to do is ask? And I won't be rebuked either?  I was doubting v 5. So I continued to read thinking on these things, when I came across this: 

"He never changes or casts a shifting shadow. He chose to give birth to us by giving us His true word. And we, out of all creation, became His prized possession." James 1:17b-18

This one made me choke up with affirmation, that God is not like I think. He will not go back on His word. He feels one way about me and that is it. He will not change His position. He is not gray, not ambiguous. He really means what He says. I was His choice, therefore I need not doubt, but believe him. 

And so this became true for me at this moment "We read. We believe. We worship." 

I was reminded of this chorus and verse, and could not help but sing it:
Verse 

Friends and faces come and go, like ashes in the wind 

Attitudes arise that I don't fully understand

The things that you can count upon, grow fewer everyday 

But when that number gets to one 

The One will show the way

Chorus

Praise the Lord He never changes, I come to Him He's always there

He comforts me on every level, takes the burdens that I bear

Praise the Lord He never changes, He's  never any other way 

And He'll be the same, tomorrow as He was and is today 

Happy Monday and enjoy the truth that brings peace to the soul, we have a loving heavenly father who feels a way about us that will never change. 

-agn