Steadfast

Life has been a little different lately. I’m in that awkward stage where I’m technically an adult, but I still feel like a child. This season is weird, but not bad weird - just unfamiliar. Christmas break started and it was also a little different this year.

It made me realize two things: First, change can be good. We can treasure the memories of the past, and still embrace the present moments. I felt defeated because I wanted everything to be the way it used to be when I was little. I felt like the Christmas magic was gone, but that’s when I realized that Christmas is not a feeling. I knew in my mind it was not ever about the presents or lights, but the childlike wonder of it all I longed for. However, Christmas is about how Jesus took a humble entrance into the brokenness of humanity to be a light in the dark world. He became our sin and nailed it to the Cross with His body (2 Corinthians 5:21). He died a substitutionary, sacrificial death so that we may have a chance at an abundant life and freedom (John 10:10). He rose again on the third day to ascend to Heaven and sit at the right hand of the Father until His second coming (Hebrews 10:12-13).

The second thing that this season has made me realize is how fleeting and ever-changing our lives are. There is nothing in this world that is stable and unwavering. It can all be shaken, and that is frightening - especially for someone that does not like change. This time next year I will be living in a different city, and that is scary. My friendships from high school don’t look the same as they once did. My family is growing up, and I feel like a 5-year-old in a 19-year-old body. As I was trying to sort out everything and make sense of what felt like chaos, the Lord gently reminded me of His steadfast love. Hebrews 13:8 tells us that “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” We can count on that. We can trust that He is not going anywhere.

I can have hope because “The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” Deuteronomy 31:8

“Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever.” Psalm 118:29

“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows” James 1:17

“No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:37-39

“Give thanks to the God of Heaven. His love endures forever.” Psalm 136:26

The Lord is steadfast even when I fall short, which is pretty often. However, I’m also learning that as much as Christmas is not a feeling; neither is our relationship with Christ. 100% transparency - more times than not I do not “feel” like reading my Bible. True, intimate, healthy relationships are not built on feelings. Feelings are so fleeting. They are built on discipline and commitment.

“You will seek Me and find Me when you seek Me with all your heart” Jeremiah 29:13

“Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart.” Psalm 37:4

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. 6 In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6

I pray that you would let the steadfast love of the Lord come into your heart and mind. That you would take every thought captive and make it obedient to Christ

(2 Corinthians 10:5). I pray that you pursue the Lord all the days of your life based on commitment and not feeling. He did not die on the Cross because of a feeling, but because He was devoted to defeating death so that we may not perish but have eternal life. (John 3:16) I pray that you would embrace change with open arms because there is beauty to be found in every season.