We know all too well the adrenaline rush of a beloved phone fizzling out or breaking. Updates to social media page layouts and software give us pause. If our apps and icons re-arrange themselves to “improve” efficiency, we can’t get anything done quickly for days!
It’s normal to get used to doing things a certain way and using particular tools. So, it’s normal to feel vulnerable, tired, lost, and frustrated when the things we have come to rely on change.
What a blessing the Lord we rely on does not change.
What a blessing the Lord we rely on does not change. Click To TweetThe more we rely on something, the harder it is to be apart from it.
This is true of technology, and tenfold with God. More than a schedule or a tool, the Lord is the ultimate helper. Relying on Him makes us more reliant on Him- and that’s a wonderful thing.
There is nowhere like His presence.
We can find no peace, no joy, nor comfort or certainty comparable to that provided by our Lord.
So it’s especially difficult and disorienting when we reach “spiritual highs”…and then wander away into relying on something else.
It’s especially difficult and disorienting when we reach “spiritual highs”…and then wander away into relying on something else. @BethanyMcIlrath #RechargeWednesday #linkupparty #linkup Click To TweetWe’re prone to it. It’s in our nature. Paul laments in Romans 7:19 that “I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing.”
It’s easy for us to functionally-forget how very reliable God is, leaning on some new, fancy thing in our lives instead.
It's easy for us to functionally-forget how very reliable God is, leaning on some new, fancy thing in our lives instead. Click To TweetJesus tells us, “Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:29-30)
Remember when you last laid down your burdens and gratefully stepped into the freedom relying on God gives? Do you remember the rest that you felt when you relied on the yoke of the Lord?
- There’s no need to stumble around in the dark, even in spaces you feel you know and can navigate yourself. His Word is the light unto our paths. (Psalm 119:105)
- Feeling vulnerable, as if you are without your usual sense of kindness and compassion? We’re never left exposed. He gladly clothes us with His presence. (Romans 13:14)
- When you’re weary at work and nothing seems refreshing or worthwhile, remember that all things are for His glory. Work can be exhausting –but He renews us day by day. (2 Corinthians 4:16)
- Our constantly changing gadgets are no replacement for the equipping Jesus does. How simple and strong are the lasting tools given by the Lord, like the armor of God and the Word that pierces the soul. (Ephesians 6; Hebrews 4:12)
Unlike our phones and the other things we’re dependent on, God doesn’t expect us to catch up on His latest model. We can wander on back to His presence, knowing He is who He is and He’ll love and work on us as we are.
He is ever patient, always faithful, and wonderfully reliable.
(A version of this post was previously published here).
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Linkup party is open! This week, my friend @BethanyMcIlrath reminds us of God's eternal reliability. He requires no upgrade because He IS. Join us and share your blog w/ our audience! Click To Tweet
In this throw away culture, I’m finding great encouragement in this reminder that God’s word is unchanging and firmly established. Great metaphor, Bethany!
Thank you Michele!
It’s easy for us to functionally forget how very reliable God is. That is, unfortunately, true for me. Thanks for this.
Functionally forget is a great way to depict this! Thank you!
Lauren, I wrote functionally forgot…and then functionally forgot about it…goodness. Thank you for your encouragement and grace to me!
Loved this, Bethany! It reminded me of a hymn written over a hundred years ago by Jennie B. Wilson. Here’s a portion:
Time is filled with swift transition,
Naught of earth unmoved can stand,
Build your hopes on things eternal,
Hold to God’s unchanging hand.
Refrain:
Hold to God’s unchanging hand,
Hold to God’s unchanging hand;
Build your hopes on things eternal,
Hold to God’s unchanging hand.
I’m so glad He’s unchanging!
I love hymns! What wonderful lyrics!! Thank you!
I remember how unmoored I felt in my mom’s last months of life with Alzheimer’s. It seemed like the very ground under my feet was shifting daily. Except God! He was the unchangeable! It brought me such comfort to rely on that truth. Thanks for reminding me of that today, Bethany.
Thank you for sharing that, Lisa. I can’t imagine how difficult that must have been. Thanking God He brought you His comfort.
Bethany, oh how I relate to your examples with changing apps or having to part with someone or something you’ve relied upon. I’m so thankful our Lord never changes. How we need His consistency when we and our world aren’t.
So thankful with you!
This is a great analogy and fresh insight, Bethany. Even on my blog dashboard I get updates to the next thing and on my phone, all suggesting it fixes “bugs” from previous updates. So thankful the Lord is reliable period. No upgrades or updates necessary. Steady and secure and not kinks or bugs to ever mess with His reliability or ability.
No upgrades necessary : ) Yay Jesus!!