Day 13: Unchanging Promise
Malachi 3:6
Malachi the prophet is delivering a message from the Lord to the Israelites. They were not living in away that God was pleased with. In the verses preceding verse six, he calls out their behavior but then encourages them that He has not changed. He is calling them to return to Him. The same God that has been merciful and compassionate to the generations before them will do the same for them.
The cycle of sinful behavior, repentance, worship, then repeat is found throughout the accounts of the Israelites. Yet, God never changed. He remained faithful to His people even when they disobeyed, dishonored, and devalued Him. He was patient with them to return to Him, repent of their ways, and worship Him.
In Lamentations 3:22-23, it says that “the steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” This was true for the Israelites then as well as for us today.
As a parent, I have noticed that when my kids disobey, they hide from me. Their shame, fear of disappointing, or the consequence creates a painful distance between us. I still love them, but when we deal with the issue, they experience the faithful love of their mom no matter what.
God the Father desires the same thing. No matter the situation, no matter the mistake, no matter the shame, deal with the situation. Experience His unchanging character of compassion, mercy, love, and faithfulness today.
Reflection Prayer
Lord, You never change. You are a God of compassion and faithfulness. Help me not forget who You are. Forgive me for the things I have done that were not pleasing to You. Forgive me for allowing sin to bring distance between us. Today, I come close to You to experience Your love, Your mercy, and Your faithfulness in my life in new ways. Today I am so grateful for Your character that never changes and is always ready to restore me and bring me fullness of Your presence. Amen.
Week 2: The Eternality and Unchangeableness of God
This week, we journey into the timeless nature of our Almighty Creator who exists beyond the constraints of time. His character remains steadfast and unwavering throughout eternity. We are reminded that every good and perfect gift originates from God, and His faithfulness endures forever. Jesus Christ, the Alpha and Omega, stands as a constant presence throughout time, unchanged from yesterday to today and into eternity. As we meditate on these foundational truths, our prayers are rooted in the unchanging character of our eternal God. Draw comfort, confidence, and hope from His immutable nature as we lift our hearts to Him in prayer.
— Scott Wakeley