In Times of Change

“I’m Holding on Tight to You”

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

-Hebrews 13:8

Do you have a bear or stuffie that you sleep with every night? Chances are, that stuffie brings you a lot of comfort, doesn’t he? No matter what is going on in life, or whatever fear you may have, you know that your beloved stuffed turtle or unicorn or favorite fuzzy blanket is right there with you through all the hard things.

For my son, that special lovey is a little white, beanbag-stuffed bear. He used to be more fluffy, but Mr. Bear has been well-loved. Older than he once was, there’s a kind of cuteness in the way he slumps over, and we have to be more careful now when we put him in the wash. (Cross your fingers, hope for the best, right?!)

The truth is, in the ten years that my son has taken comfort in Mr. Bear, he has changed. He has a couple of tucked-away stitch marks near his neck where a hole formed (for the record, Mom isn’t the world’s best sewer.) Additionally, over the years, some multi-colored lint has attached itself to bear’s fur that makes him not quite white anymore—more like grayish-white.

We know he wasn’t meant to last forever.

In the movie Frozen II,  we see the characters go through a season of change as well. If you live in an area of the world where the fall season means leaves in hues as bright as the sunset and then eventually falling to the ground, you recognize the “Some Things Never Change” scene well. As the characters notice all the parts of nature transforming around them, they are simultaneously singing about the things that are changing in their life’s circumstances as well. Princess Anna is about to get proposed to, which will bring a new way of life not only to Anna and her soon-to-be fiancé Kristoff, but it will also be a big adjustment for Elsa as well. There is definitely some introspection taking place alongside their light-hearted singing: this moment isn’t going to last forever.

But there’s also another noteworthy vibe in this scene: Olaf notices it, and so do we. It’s a confidence in Anna that is contagious. As adolescent Olaf names off the things that cause him to worry, Anna comes in to remind him of all the things that stay steady in life. Yeah, there are a lot of changes and a lot we can’t rely on, but also, the seemingly fearless princess points out, “Some things stay the same.”

That reminds me of a verse in the Bible. In fact, there are a few verses that describe God in this very way: as unchanging. He comforts us in Malachi 3:6, “For I, the Lord, do not change; therefore you, O sons of Jacob, are not consumed.” He is saying that we are not to fear because His character is always the same. He is a loving and merciful father, even when we, his children, mess up. He is constantly and consistently good.

There are a lot of good people in the world and hopefully a lot that you can name in your life, but none compares to the perfection of God Almighty. He rises above all others as the “Comforter.” (2 Corinthians 1:3-4)

Because there is so much around us that we often can’t predict or control—people, circumstances, weather, and the changing seasons—Anna shares with Olaf, “That’s why I rely on certain certainties.” In real life, that “certain certainty” is God. He’s always there, He’s never-changing, and He longs to walk alongside you through all the changes and uncertainties. Now and always.

So, the next time you find yourself unsure about a change coming in your life, remember the God who never changes. He can be relied upon, and he is eternal. He will not wear out or tire of carrying you through it. That’s better than any stuffie.

Prayer and Reflection

Change can feel scary sometimes because it often means facing the unknown. We can feel uneasy when we don’t know what will happen next. What’s something you worry about? Stop and ask God to comfort your fear.

Dear God,

Thank you that you are never-changing. There may be many things around me that are shifting and changing, but you bring me comfort in knowing I can always count on you. My help comes from you. Help me to place my trust in you, first and foremost.

In Jesus name,

Amen

*The next time you look at your favorite stuffed animal, take time to thank God for it. Then, thank him for being our greatest comforter.

*Want more ways to connect the gospel to what your kids are already watching? Sign up to receive Disney Gospels devotionals straight to your email HERE.

POSTED BY

Jenna

Jenna Kruse is a teacher but not in a classroom. She loves to think outside the box and inside the Word and is daily in need of an attitude adjustment. She is a wife to Justin, a mother to three school-aged children, and a mentor to teenagers and young adults. You can learn more about the heart behind her blog HERE.

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