I am an ISFJ. If you don’t know what that means, it’s one of 16 personality types in the MBTI system. One common trait of ISFJs is that we tend to hate change. Any change. At all. The smallest change you can imagine.

It’s usually portrayed as a weakness, and it certainly feels that way. I remember crying as a child when we got a new couch, and when a restaurant we regularly drove past changed its name. I have since learned that few people have much compassion for tears over new furniture or restaurant name changes, but it’s rare that anything in or around my life changes and my gut reaction isn’t, “Nope, Do Not Want.” To say nothing of bigger changes that can leave me shaken for months or years.

It has helped a lot, at least with small things, to learn that this is a personality trait. I can remind myself that my reaction is more about me than the change itself, and I usually adjust and eventually no longer mind. If I don’t adjust after a while, I can address any actual issues the change has caused at that point.

But as difficult as this trait can make life on earth, I think it reflects something important about God: He doesn’t change. This is one of his personality traits.

Long ago you established the earth,
and the heavens are the work of your hands.
They will perish, but you will endure;
all of them will wear out like clothing.
You will change them like a garment,
and they will pass away.
But you are the same,
and your years will never end.
– Psalm 102:25-27

 “Because I, the Lord, have not changed, you descendants of Jacob have not been destroyed.“
– Malachi 3:6

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.
– Hebrews 13:8

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.
– James 1:17

My appreciation and longing for steadiness and security is fulfilled in the steadiness and security of God. That doesn’t mean changes in this life aren’t stressful, but I can know for sure that the most important thing does not change.

So can you.

In heavenly love abiding
no change my heart shall fear;
and safe is such confiding,
for nothing changes here:
the storm may roar without me,
my heart may low be laid;
but God is round about me,
and can I be dismayed?
– Anna Letitia Waring

*