A person’s character is an important attribute. Throughout our lives, we meet people with unique characteristics. The Bible says that God is pleased when his children grow in character, and that people with character set a positive example for others. The Apostle Paul writing to Timothy said this about an individual’s character: “But as for you, oh man of God, flee not these things. Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, and gentleness. Fight the good fight of the faith.”
If we live long enough, life will inevitably bring us bad news. It may be the loss of a loved one, your health, your income, your marriage, your reputation, or many other things. These experiences can cause significant anguish in our lives. Any one of these trials might lead one to give up, as many have done. However, it is reassuring to know that you can put your trust in God’s unchanging character in times of despair.
When tough times come, you need to hold onto everything you know about God’s love. You must remind yourself that he is loving, caring, and worthy of your complete trust. Sometimes, God will give you the answer, other times he will offer the assurance of his presence. In these ever-changing events, you must be willing to hold onto God’s “unchanging hand.”
I am reminded of the powerful gospel song, “Hold to God’s Unchanging Hand,” by Jennie Bain Wilson. Born on an Indiana farm in 1856, Jennie contracted typhoid fever, which caused irreparable damage to her spine, forcing her to use a wheelchair. Despite her disability, she penned this moving hymn:
“Time is filled with swift transition, Naught of earth unmoved can stand, Build your hopes on things eternal, Hold to God’s unchanging hand.
Trust in Him who will not leave you, Whatsoever years may bring, If earthly friends forsake you, Still more closely to Him cling.
Covet not this world’s vain riches, that so rapidly decay, Seek to gain the heavenly treasures, They will never pass away, Build your hopes on things eternal, Hold to God’s unchanging hand.”
God is not asking us to deny the pain and agony of life’s hardships, such as painful losses. He simply wants us to know that he has an unchanging hand. In other words, you can depend on him in times of hardship. So be blessed, and Never Give Up! Never Give Up! Never Give Up!
By Dr. Walter Ghosten
chaplain@lhp.net
