Life Changes But Jesus Doesn’t! … Hello Hump Day readers. Here’s a question, “why does change happen so quickly?” The reason I ask is when I started to wright this devotion I realized almost half of January is gone. In those 15 days I also realized that many things changed in such a quick time. So, here we go again with another January in a new year and has anything happened or changed in your life? It seems that when the Christmas decorations are taken down and packed up, the word ‘ordinary’ steps right in and here we go back to work, feeling too many pounds of chocolate and lots of other foods we love that are probably not really good for us. I mean, who can not say ‘no’ to chocolate?!

I was talking to my neighbor and he said “the sparkle is now gone” and I looked at him and said “Hal, what sparkle are you talking about, you don’t put up any Christmas decorations, right?” I was partly wrong, because he told me they put up lots of Christmas stuff IN the house. And all the kids and extended families come, many from Columbia where his wife was from. Now I could understand his loss of ‘sparkle’ because this large family loves to get together with tons of food, dancing, singing–we just love them.

Then a friend called me and said “did you make any New Year resolutions?” She does this all the time because I hate doing anything like that. I knew she would call so I was ready for her, saying “and how many fruit cakes did you send to people you don’t like?” She used to do that so I asked and she said “just enough.” I have no idea how many fruit cakes she sends out but I did tell her if she ever sent one to me there would be consequences—it’s a fun game we play. In fact, our times on the phone are one of those instances where changes have NOT changed! I kind of like that and I would miss our conversations if it did change.

So what new start are you doing? Was there a lot of change from 2025 to 2026 already, or is it kind of level but just waiting for the next thing? Change can be beautiful, but it can also feel brutal. Sometimes January doesn’t feel like a fresh start. But here’s what I’ve learned and that is: “While life constantly changes, Christ never does.” Now that is a promise that will never be broken!

In Hebrews 13:7-8 from the Message Bible, we are reminded to “Appreciate your pastoral leaders who gave you the Word of God. Take a good look at the way they live, and let their faithfulness instruct you, as well as their truthfulness. There should be a consistency that runs through us all. For Jesus doesn’t change—yesterday, today, tomorrow, he’s always totally himself.”

When friends walk away, Jesus remains close. When plans fall apart, Jesus stays sovereign. When the world feels unfamiliar because of grief or disappointment, Jesus is there. And that makes me feel better knowing that when everything around us shifts, we still have a steady foundation. Jesus doesn’t come and go with the seasons; he doesn’t change his mind when others do. Jesus’ goodness-promises and presence remain always! Like my grandma would say, “Jesus isn’t pacing the floors of heaven wondering what to do next, he already has full control and will guide you step-by-step.” She was a wise woman indeed!

Change isn’t just about walking away from what was; it’s about what Jesus is bringing our way next. We don’t need to fear our future because it’s already in Jesus’ hands. Let’s take this last half of January as a time to grow, to accept the changes and most importantly, to know that God will show up in all of it. And that promise you can take to the bank! AMEN.