Shifting Shadows

Every good and perfect gift is from above,

coming down from the Father of lights,

who does not change like shifting shadows.

James 1:17

The Northern Lights are a beautiful wonder of God’s creation. I have never seen this phenomenon firsthand, but I believe I would just stand breathless in silent praise before my maker at that sight. It would overwhelm me.

Shenandoah Aurora Borealis

The recent light show we have been treated to here in this part of the world reminded me of the story below.

A believer described her life like the Aurora Borealis in Alaska. She was equating it to being in a place of claw-like shadows and bleakness and cold sorrow.

Her life had suddenly changed. One day, she was married and happy, serving God in a lifelong ministry. The next day, her husband was gone. He just left. Without explanation, her life was completely and overwhelmingly changed. She was just sad. Life was changing and dark, filled with shadows of gloom.

So, what can a believer do when life changes. When it is hard and cold? The lady who was so sad was not even able to read the Bible or pray.

She said all she could do was just cry out to God. She knew He was still there even though she had no feeling that He was. The lady said that she didn’t simply want to believe that, but that she absolutely believed that in her soul.

You see, her faith is real. It is not based on the present circumstances of her life or upon her emotional moments. In fact, her faith is not based on her strength at all, but it is entirely based on God’s power and love for her and His unchanging characteristics.

She knows this because the Spirit living inside her is one with the Father-

In the same way the Spirit also helps us in our weakness, because we do not know what to pray for as we should, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with inexpressible groanings. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because he intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.

Romans 8:26-27 (CSB)

No shifting shadows

You see, one of the things that believers have to hold on to in this life is the knowledge that even though our circumstances change, and we are in and out of happiness like a revolving door, our God never changes. That’s what James is telling us in the key verse. “...the Father of lights, who does not change.”

God is not a man, that he might lie,
or a son of man, that he might change his mind.
Does he speak and not act,
or promise and not fulfill?

Numbers 23:19 (CSB)

Here are a few more promises from our unchanging Father.

Do you understand how the clouds float,
those wonderful works of him who has perfect knowledge?

Job 37:16 (CSB)

God—his way is perfect;
the word of the Lord is pure.
He is a shield to all who take refuge in him.

2 Samuel 22:31 (CSB)

The Rock—his work is perfect;
all his ways are just.
A faithful God, without bias,
he is righteous and true.

Deuteronomy 32:4 (CSB)

Share the Gospel in your world!

How beautiful are the feet of

those who share the Good News!

Christian Standard Bible (CSB)

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