Have the Rules Changed?

I received a mailing recently that said, "Baby Boomer Retirement Course: The Rules Have Changed." It went on to talk about the "lost decade" on Wall Street that has affected the financial lives of millions of future retirees. People are wondering whether they will have enough to live on as they get older. If you're not careful this kind of stuff can scare the daylights out of you. While there is tremendous upheaval in the financial world, have the rules changed when it comes to our relationship with God? Fortunately, we can say an emphatic "no!" These verses out of many in the Bible communicate how God and His word never change. He is totally faithful and reliable in His relationship to us.

The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God stands forever. (Isa. 40:8)

“For I, the Lord, do not change; therefore you, O sons of Jacob, are not consumed. (Mal. 3:6)

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. (Heb. 13:8)

You might be asking, "I know these verses are true, but what about the anxiety I continue to feel over my financial future?" I'm a member of that "worry" club too. It's a normal reaction to the chaos we're facing in the world today.

However, tucked away in the last verse of Psalm 138 is an amazing promise that God has given us to hold onto when we are confronted by fears over finances or everything else. Here is what verse 8 says:

The Lord will accomplish what concerns me; Your lovingkindness (toward me) O Lord, is everlasting..."

God is saying "I've got everything under control. I love you. Your life matters. You will accomplish great things for Me."

This is a verse to memorize and post where you can see it everyday. God doesn't say He will take us out of the problems we're facing, but His loving presence will be guiding us on the path He wants us to take.

I find that very encouraging. I hope you do, too. Maybe someone else you know needs the boost in their faith. Keep your eyes open for a divine appointment.