James 1:17
Stop.
Close your eyes and take a few deep breaths. Envision yourself surrounded by warm, beautiful light. Take time in this vision to thank God for always walking with you.
Listen.
Every generous act of giving, with every perfect gift, is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. – James 1:17
Reflect.
We talk about change a lot these days because it feels a lot like everything has changed – or continues to change too quickly. This can leave us disoriented and disheartened. Into this feeling we hear this verse from James promising us that all good things come from our God who leads and guides us and does not change. Our God is constant, always going with us.
Notice that it doesn’t say that what God does won’t change. We have a whole Bible that bears witness to the many ways that God’s actions and responses have changed. Throughout history, God responds to our needs to provide what we need: restoration, correction, challenge, or hope. Sometimes, God’s action depends on what we’ve done in the first place, meaning our unchanging God must change direction based on what we have done. All of this is good, as it shows us a God who cares about us and this world and continues to respond to and interact with it.
The comfort in the unchanging God of James isn’t that God will always do the same thing. It’s that we can always trust God to be God, guiding us in peace, hope, and love. God shines on us, showing us the way, leading us through many changes, letting generosity and grace shine through us. Whenever we feel like there’s too much change, we can return to these promises, knowing our unchanging God continues to be at work among us.
Pray.
God, sometimes I feel overwhelmed by the changes of life. Shine on me today. Surround me with your light. Guide me in your truth. Call me to acts of kindness and generosity that point others to your unchanging love. Amen.
Carry On.
Calling God “the Father of lights” is a unique title for God in James. How can picturing God as light guide you this week?