I knew that moving was going to mean my family experienced widespread change, but nonetheless the changes have still been difficult at times and required the grace of acceptance. I was walking across a foot-bridge today in the pouring rain, literally soaked to the skin, feeling a bit sad and unsure, my sopping cotton trousers alternately flapping and clinging to my legs but desperately singing to myself:

“Jesus, it’s always been you,

Jesus, it’s always is you,

Jesus, it always will be you.”

(Lyrics from Make A Way by One Sonic Society)

I was able to sing those words because I’d spent intentional time in previous days reminding myself that God is the same as he ever was and is still just as near me as he’s ever been. Yet, I still had to sing it aloud to remind myself to believe it because somehow that unexpected cold rain when I was unprepared released a whole bunch of emotion. I was still crying a bit but also bringing my thoughts back to what I knew to be true. I like to think that my wilful submission was an act of worship. Perhaps being prepared for change means remembering that when we feel the more fearful emotions coming (because I think they come in these seasons for all of us) we choose to bring them back to God.

It’s always my choice whether I remember God is unchanging and on my side. Just because I made the right choice today doesn’t mean I won’t have the same choice to make tomorrow.

As Downs suggests, I can pray thanking God for his unchangeableness. It’s a relief to me that he’s the same yesterday, today and forever because it means I can trust him even if I‘m feelIng insecure about the humans around me.

If you don’t feel able to write a prayer, I suggest you start anyway. Scribble down your first thoughts. You might be surprised at what pops into your head once you get going.