The Stability Of Our Father

“Every good gift and 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

We’ve all experienced inner turmoil and can relate to the parable of the prodigal son in Luke 15:11-32. At one time we can relate to the younger brother, and at other times the older. Whether it’s the filth of sinful pleasures or the filth of self-righteousness, they both stink. Yet the focal and staying point of the parable is the loving, merciful, correcting, caring, redeeming, forgiving father.

The sons were all over the place and illustrate the unsettling nature of sin. But the father never changed. God alone is the answer to our turmoil. If we have our eyes on ourselves to avoid pig pens or self-righteousness, we are liable to land in both. But if we focus on God, we are free to love Him most, seek Him more, honor Him, submit to Him, rejoice in Him, learn from Him, obey Him, glorify Him. He alone keeps us in the safety of right relationship with Him – sanctified to do what He has called us to do.

“Why are you cast down, O my soul,

and why are you in turmoil within me?

Hope in God; for I shall again praise him,

my salvation and my God.”
Psalm 42:11

Then there is turmoil from without. Kingdoms and rulers rise and fall. In this volatile world, I’m so thankful our God never changes. I ask Him often, “Father, how is the Kingdom?” And I hear Him say from Hebrews 12:28, “Unshakeable!”

We can live comforted and settled because,

“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.”

Hebrews 13:8