The world today is vastly different from the one most of us knew years ago. A glance at the technological landscape reveals extraordinary advancement. Technology companies compete relentlessly to present the next innovation — new smartphones, laptops, virtual reality devices, and, most recently, artificial intelligence (AI). Whether through the instant creation of images and videos or, in some cases, the replacement of entire job roles, AI seems inescapable. Some celebrate its possibilities, while others shrink back in fear of the perceived “evils” this technology may bring.
Turning on the news can quickly cast dark clouds over an otherwise good day. Endless images of war, poverty, and natural disasters confront us — sometimes affecting neighbours across the world and, at other times, those in our own backyards. It is difficult not to feel fear or discouragement when engaging with society, as the decline in spiritual and cultural morality is unmistakable. Judges 21:25 — “the people did what was right in their own eyes” — describes our times with sobering accuracy.
Yet Scripture reminds us that there is nothing new under the sun. While technology has advanced dramatically, every generation has faced innovation that demanded adjustment and growth. The earth itself bears the marks of dramatic change — fires, floods, hurricanes, eclipses, and meteors, some recorded and others forgotten. Still, the earth remains. Human society, too, has at times descended into moral corruption so severe that it invites divine judgement, yet society has endured. This endurance is no accident. Heaven and earth, and all who dwell in them, are held securely by their Creator — the everlasting and unchanging God. Psalm 75:3 declares, “When the earth and all its people quake, it is I who hold its pillars firm.”
Therefore, regardless of the circumstances surrounding us, we can take comfort in knowing that One greater than those circumstances holds us securely in His hands. Malachi 3:6 assures us, “For I am the Lord, I do not change; therefore, you are not consumed, O sons of Jacob.” With such reassurance, fear has no rightful place. God’s Word stands firm. He is not a man that He should lie. He has proven Himself faithful in the past and continues to do so today.
The account of Abraham and his descendants offers a compelling picture of God’s constancy amid changing times, cultures, and generations. God led Abraham into unknown territory, protected him, and blessed him. He did the same for Isaac and Jacob, and later for the Israelites from whom Jesus descended — faithfully upholding His covenant and fulfilling every promise made.
This was no small undertaking. From Abraham to Jesus spans forty-two generations, multiple cultural shifts, numerous wars, and the establishment of governance through priests, judges, and kings. There were droughts, famines, and earthquakes. Fear and uncertainty surely gripped the people at many points. Yet through it all, God remained faithful. As rulers rose and fell and as people turned to other gods, He remained the same — loving and merciful, yet righteous and just. Once again, we need not fear. God is still in control, and all is still well.
Rather than giving in to worry, we are called to put our faith into action. This requires intentionality. We must feed our faith through God’s Word. Romans 10:17 reminds us that “faith comes by hearing the Word of God.” Scripture shifts our focus from our problems to God’s unchanging character.
Prayer also anchors us in changing seasons. First Thessalonians 5:17 exhorts us to “pray without ceasing.” Prayer allows us to be honest with God and to surrender our burdens to Him. Psalm 55:22 encourages us to “cast your burdens on the Lord, and He will sustain you.” Fear, worry, and doubt must be placed into His hands rather than carried alone.
We must daily feed our faith, cast down anything that diminishes it, and remember God’s faithfulness in times past. Keeping a record of what God has done strengthens our hearts and silences the lies that breed anxiety and doubt. If He did it before, He can do it again.
Though seasons change — some marked by trial and others by triumph — we can rest in the assurance that God holds us securely. Deuteronomy 31:8 offers this promise: “The Lord Himself goes before you; He will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.”
Be encouraged today.