We think the Bible promised stability. We think it promised things would stay the same. We think it promised a comfortable life, a safe life, a predictable life.
But it did not. The Bible never promised stability. It promised presence.
This is what we have forgotten. This is what we need to remember.
Not: Things will stay the same. But: I am with you. Not: Life will be stable. But: I will never leave you.
That is different. That is what we need to hear.
The Promise That Was Given
Turn with me to the Gospel of Matthew. The last words of Jesus:
"All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you. And lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age."
Matthew 28:18-20I am with you always.
Not: Things will be stable. Not: Life will be easy. Not: The world will be kind.
But: I am with you always.
That is the promise. Presence, not stability. Him, not comfort.
And then there is this, fromIsaiah:
"Fear not, for I am with you. Do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you. I will uphold you with My righteous right hand."
Isaiah 41:10Fear not, for I am with you.
Not: Fear not, for things will be stable. Not: Fear not, for life will be easy.
But: Fear not, for I am with you.
That is the promise. Presence, not stability. Him, not comfort.
The Promise That Was Kept
And then there is the promise to Joshua:
"Be strong and of good courage, for you shall cause this people to inherit the land which I swore to their fathers to give them. Only be strong and very courageous, that you may observe to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you. Do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may prosper wherever you go. This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage. Do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go."
Joshua 1:6-9Do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.
Wherever you go. Not: wherever things are stable. Not: wherever life is comfortable.
But: wherever you go.
That is the promise. Presence, not stability. Him, not comfort.
The Difference That Matters
So what does this mean for us? It means we have been looking for the wrong thing. We have been looking for stability. But the Bible promised presence.
We have been looking for comfort. But the Bible promised Him.
We have been looking for a safe life. But the Bible promised a faithful God.
That is the difference. That is what we have forgotten.
When things shift, we think something is wrong. When stability is gone, we think God has left.
But He promised presence, not stability. He promised to be with us, not that things would stay the same.
This is what we need to hear. Not: Things will be stable. But: I am with you.
That is the promise. That is what we have.
Try This Today
Ask yourself honestly: Am I looking for stability or presence? Bring that to Him in prayer. Ask Him to help you find Him in the instability. He promised presence, not stability.
We think the Bible promised stability. It did not. It promised presence.
We think God will keep things the same. He will not. But He will keep us.
We think He will make life comfortable. He will not. But He will make us comfortable in the discomfort.
That is the promise. Presence, not stability. Him, not comfort.
That is what we have. That is what we need to remember.
The Bible never promised stability. It promised presence. And that is enough.
Father, thank You for not promising stability. Forgive me for looking for the wrong thing. Teach me to find You in the instability. You promised presence, not stability. Let me find You in the changing. In Jesus Name, Amen.
With honesty and hope,
Claire