In a world of constant change, God remains constant
Have you ever moved to a new city and felt completely lost? Everything looks different. You don’t know where the grocery store is. You can’t find your favorite coffee shop. Even the roads seem to go in different directions than you expect. Change can be overwhelming, even when it’s good change.
Now imagine if that feeling of being lost and uncertain happened in every area of your life at the same time. Your job becomes uncertain. Your health takes a turn. A close relationship changes. Technology advances so fast you can barely keep up. The world around you shifts in ways that make you feel like you’re standing on shaky ground.
This is exactly what the early Christians were experiencing when the book of Hebrews was written. They were living in a time of great change and uncertainty. The old ways of worshiping God were being challenged. They faced persecution for their faith. Many of the things they had counted on for security were being shaken.
But right in the middle of all this uncertainty, the writer of Hebrews gives them something solid to hold onto. In chapter 13, verse 8, we find these powerful words about Jesus: “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” This wasn’t just a nice religious saying. It was an anchor for their souls in a storm of change.
The same truth that comforted those early believers can comfort us today. In our world of constant change, we have something, or rather, Someone, who never changes.
Related: The Unchanging Character & Attributes Of God (With Free 30-day) Reading Plan
Today’s Scripture
“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.”
Hebrews 13:8
Breaking Down the Verse
This short verse is packed with power and truth. Let’s look at each part to understand what God is telling us about His unchanging nature.
“Jesus Christ”
The verse starts by naming Jesus specifically. This isn’t talking about some distant, unknowable God. It’s talking about Jesus, the One who lived on earth, who understands our struggles, who died for our sins, and who rose again. The God who never changes is not cold or distant. He is personal and loving. He knows what it’s like to be human because He became human.
When we talk about God being unchanging, we’re not talking about a God who doesn’t care or who is too far away to be involved in our lives. We’re talking about Jesus, who loves us so much that He gave His life for us. His love, His character, and His commitment to us never change.
“is the same”
The Greek word used here means to remain the same or to be identical. It’s not that Jesus is similar to what He was before, or that He’s mostly the same with a few changes. He is exactly the same. His character, His love, His power, His promises – all of these remain exactly as they have always been.
This is different from everything else in our world. People change their minds. Companies change their policies. Governments change their laws. Even our own bodies change as we get older. But Jesus remains exactly the same.
“yesterday”
This refers to all of the past. Every story you’ve read in the Bible about God’s faithfulness is still true today. The God who parted the Red Sea for Moses is the same God you pray to today. The God who provided for Elijah during the famine is the same God who can provide for your needs. The God who was faithful to your grandparents is the same God who is faithful to you.
All of God’s past actions show us what He is like today. His character hasn’t changed. His power hasn’t decreased. His love hasn’t grown cold. Everything that was true about God in the past is still true about God today.
“and today”
God’s unchanging nature isn’t just a historical fact, it’s a present reality. Right now, as you read these words, God is the same as He has always been. His love for you today is as strong as it was when He sent Jesus to die for you. His power today is as great as it was when He created the universe.
This means you can trust God today based on what you know about Him from the past. You don’t have to wonder if God has changed His mind about you or if He’s gotten tired of your problems. He is the same today as He was yesterday.
“and forever”
God’s unchanging nature doesn’t have an expiration date. He won’t change tomorrow, next year, or a hundred years from now. His faithfulness to you isn’t temporary. His love for you isn’t a phase He’s going through. His commitment to your good is permanent.
This gives us incredible security for the future. No matter what changes come into your life, God will remain the same. No matter what challenges you face tomorrow, God’s character will be exactly the same as it is today.
Faith in Action
Understanding God’s unchanging nature should change how we live every day. Here are some practical ways to apply this truth:
1. Find Your Security in God, Not in Circumstances
When changes come, and they will, remember that your security doesn’t come from your job, your relationships, or your health. Your security comes from God, who never changes. Practice saying, “My circumstances may change, but my God does not.”
Never Be Afraid To Trust An Unknown Future To A Known God.
Corrie Ten Boom
2. Use God’s Past Faithfulness to Build Present Faith
When you’re facing something new and scary, look back at how God has been faithful in the past. Read Bible stories about God’s faithfulness. Remember times when God came through for you before. Let these memories strengthen your faith for today’s challenges.
3. Pray with Confidence
Because God never changes, you can pray with confidence. The God who answered prayers in the Bible is the same God who hears your prayers today. His willingness to help you hasn’t changed. His power to work in your situation hasn’t decreased.
4. Don’t Base Your Faith on How You Feel
Your feelings change daily, and if you’re anything like me, sometimes hourly! But God’s love for you never changes. On days when you don’t feel close to God, remember that His love for you is the same as it was on your best day. Your relationship with God isn’t based on your changing feelings but on His unchanging character.
5. Embrace Good Changes Without Fear
Sometimes we resist even good changes because change itself feels scary. But knowing that God never changes can give you the courage to embrace the good changes He brings into your life. You can step into new opportunities knowing that God’s love and faithfulness will go with you.
Dig Deeper With Journaling Prompts
Affirmation
The God who loved me yesterday loves me today and will love me forever. His character never changes, His promises never expire, and His faithfulness never wavers.
Prayer for the Day
Heavenly Father,
Thank You that in a world of constant change, You remain the same. When I feel uncertain about the future, remind me that Your love for me never changes. When I’m anxious about new situations, help me remember that Your faithfulness has never failed.
Give me the courage to embrace the changes You bring into my life, knowing that You are walking with me through every transition.
Let my life reflect the security that comes from trusting in You. Thank You that Your character, Your love, and Your promises are the same today as they were yesterday and will be forever.
In Jesus’ unchanging name, Amen.
