Changes in the Neighborhood

“I am the LORD, and I do not change.” Malachi 3:6a NLT

Our cell phones and computers have a way of reminding us how things have changed in our lives by the occasional pop-up feature ‘reminders of this day.’ A pop-up this morning made me realize how much the back of our property had changed along with our neighbors’ property over the last fifteen years. Pictures of the aftereffects of a snowstorm that year reveal a maple tree still standing before we had it removed. Truth be told, I was tired of racking all the leaves in the fall, but now miss the comfortable shade they brought in the summer. My nephew parked his car on our property during his high school days, he is now married with three children. There are many changes to our neighbors’ properties as well revealing the fact that nothing stays the same, especially over time.

It is also said that change is good, and that is very often true. Time alone forces change upon us whether we like it or not. The key is how do we welcome that change in our lives. Our world today is constantly changing and changing rapidly almost daily. Greek philosopher, Heraclitus of Ephesus is quoted as saying “change is the only constant in life.” It is inevitable, change will come, and we need to be ready for it.

Change is perceived as the only constant in life. We say the only thing that doesn’t change is change, it’s always changing. But the irony is to deal with change effectively you need a constant in your life, and that constant is God. God Himself said, “I am the LORD, and I do not change.” (Mal. 3:6a NLT) The Lord is aware of all the changes about to influence your life. You can count on Him to be there with His unchanging love, wisdom, protection, understanding, and help when needed. God will help you deal with all the changes in your neighborhood even when you make a mistake and cut down a shady maple tree.