The Constant

Just recently I taught my algebra students a new term as we began our study of polynomials—constant. If you care to know, it’s the plain old number, the term with a degree of 0. Why is it called the constant? Because, since there is no variable attached to it, its value never changes. In the dictionary, when used as a noun, constant is defined as a situation or state of affairs that does not change.

Have you ever heard the phrase “Change is the Only Constant?” That’s pretty accurate, but not completely. Jesus is constant!

“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.”                  Hebrews 13:8 NLT

 I’ve come to the conclusion that life is a series of transitions. My daughter experienced quite a run of them a few months ago, and, indirectly, so did her dad and I. Though her coursework towards her OTD degree started online in June, it didn’t get real until August when we moved Hillary (and her cat) to FL for the start of the fall semester. That was quite an adventure! We were able to hang around for a week and help her get settled before having to head back to PA so I could begin my own fall semester. I shed tears on and off the whole way home. One thought kept running through my mind, “We just left our baby 1000+ miles away from home with nothing familiar but her cat.” That thought was followed up by the question, “What was I thinking when I encouraged this?” I can laugh about it now that I’ve watched her seamlessly transition to all things new and different, but I wasn’t laughing in August! It seems Hillary has caught onto this “adulting” thing fairly quickly. She may not be a big fan of it (I think she especially misses going to the cafeteria when she’s hungry), but she has proven herself capable.

Hillary had some pretty dramatic life changes thrust on her all at once. Though change to that degree is not an everyday occurrence (thankfully), I think we all experience some level of change in our lives on a daily basis. So, what should we do when the sand shifts beneath our feet and we’re struggling to keep our balance? Seek the One who is even more constant than change—Jesus, our Rock!

“He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress where I will not be shaken.”                                                                                         Psalms 62:6 NLT

He will help us find our footing in the midst of the unsteadiness that comes with change if we just seek Him. And while He’s at it, He’ll clear the path and walk it with us!

“Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.”                                                                                                                        Proverbs 3:6 NLT

Whatever changes you are currently experiencing in your life, no matter how big or small, I pray you will find comfort, hope and peace in the One who will NEVER change as you cling to, and rest in, His promises.