God Is Steady When Life Feels Shifty - Your Nightly Prayer - September 12
God Is Steady When Life Feels Shifty
TONIGHT'S SCRIPTURE
Malachi 3:6 “For I, the Lord, do not change; therefore you, O children of Jacob, are not consumed.”
SOMETHING TO PONDER
Malachi was writing to a people whose lives felt anything but stable! I know there are relatable seasons where you, where I, feel the same! Those seasons where you question God, you wonder where He is, thinking maybe He’s forgotten you! Yet, we see here God says, declares really, "I do not change" - He’s speaking of His nature, the care that He has for us. He reminds us here of His character- something that no matter the circumstance, our lives lend themselves to. Maybe it’s a diagnosis, a friendship that ends, plans falling apart, the future seemingly uncertain. God never says, "I’ve changed my mind about you!" His character never changes. His love for us never changes.
I recently read about a dad who just had a baby- that baby, right after he was born, cried and cried. He came close, and the words he spoke over his new baby brought a calming effect. You know, the narrative, “It’s okay, buddy, I’m here.” “You’re ok, it’s all going to be alright.” As he spoke, his newborn calmed down and stopped crying. About 6 minutes later, his son began to cry again. Again, this new Dad began to speak over him to calm him. Something beautiful happened when the dad said, “I love you.” That newborn baby opened his eyes and intently looked at his father. And immediately stopped crying. We can learn so much from this encounter between a dad and his newborn son. When life comes at us hard, maybe one circumstance after another, where we are questioning what God is doing or when it will end. We, like this newborn, cry and feel out of control, with turmoil and uncertainty. Then we hear our heavenly Father’s voice, and once we recognize that it is indeed our Father's voice, the peace of God creates a steadiness in our breath, in our stance, in our countenance. His character is revealed when we open our eyes and lean in to hear His voice.
We live in a world that is moving at the pace of a freight train. And a world where change is inevitable. Our emotions, energy, relationships, and health change. Yet, while everything is shifting all around us, God never changes. Nothing catches God off guard. He’s never been surprised. He’s never forgotten a promise, and He never becomes less faithful because we are tired.
Notice the second half of the verse in Malachi 3:6: “therefore you are not consumed.” Why weren’t the Israelites consumed? Not because they remained faithful- but because He was faithful! There are seasons when our faith is strong, and there are other seasons when all we can do is whisper, “Help me, Lord.” And it’s in those seasons that His faithfulness never weakens. Faithfulness is who He is!
So, if tonight God feels silent. Lean in, listen for His voice. He speaks to us in our time of need. And remember, the God who was faithful in your yesterday is present in all your tomorrows.
YOUR NIGHTLY PRAYER
God, remind me right now of Your steady love. Help me trust that You are unchanging, even when everything around me feels unsteady. May I remember that You are faithful. May I lean in to hear the still small voice that steadies my walk and allows You to come close. You are a good, good Father, and I trust you in all the circumstances that may surround me. In Jesus’ name, Amen
THREE THINGS TO MEDITATE UPON
Reflect on the nature of God, who He is, and who He has been to you.
Identify areas of your life where you have not allowed God to intervene on your behalf because you are trying in your own strength. Ask for His forgiveness.
What circumstances do you want to lay at His feet tonight? Take a few minutes to do that.
Reflect on tonight’s prayer and share how God met you there. Join the Your Nightly Prayer discussion on the Crosswalk Forum.
Photo Credit: ©Getty Images/4nadia
Angie holds a degree in Child and Family Studies and currently serves on the staff at Cloverhill Church, where she and her husband have been leading for over 25 years. She is the Executive Director of Cloverhill Christian Academy, located in Midlothian, Virginia. Angie is a dedicated advocate for foster children and families, and also serves as a Trust-Based Relational Intervention Practitioner, offering support in her community and beyond. In addition to her roles in church and education, Angie contributes her insight and leadership as a board member for Families First and the Chesterfield-Colonial Heights Department of Social Services.
How does she do it all? With purpose and passion—as a coach in family life, ministry, and schools, Angie brings experience, empathy, and a heart for helping others thrive.
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