My husband and I both grew up on dead end streets, so we were thrilled to be buying a house on a road

with no outlet. Traffic on a dead end is usually minimal and slower – more hospitable for children

playing ball or racing scooters. Life is quieter, and the view from my porch rocker is a lush, green wall of

tree line where the road ends. I love it.

Consider these words: 

Of old you laid the foundation of the earth, and the heavens are the work of your hands. They will

perish, but you will remain; they will all wear out like a garment. You will change them like a robe,

and they will pass away, but you are the same, and your years have no end. (Psalm 102:25-27)

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. (Hebrews 13:8)

Our God does not change. 

Today let’s settle our hearts into this familiar truth. It’s hard to name anything that isn’t constantly

spinning on a merry-go-round of change. The drive from Nicholasville to Lexington shifts monthly: new

stoplight, new coffee shop, new billboards. Technology is outdated almost before it’s unboxed – to say

nothing of shifting cultural and social norms.

Consider your own life. Many of you are walking through financial difficulty, health concerns, loss of a

loved one, fear of the future, relationship struggles, job instability, or other uncertainties. Maybe your

life today and your life a year ago look nothing alike -- and not in a good way. Our family experienced

profound loss last year. We’ve known God’s faithfulness at every turn, but life is different. Harder.

Sometimes it seems life is unfolding on a giant question mark. 

But that’s not true. 

In Christ, we live our lives on the foundation of God’s steadfast love. He is always the same and will

always remain so. This should settle our hearts.

The land on the other side of our dead end was recently purchased for housing. The view from my porch

is now unrecognizable -- no more tree line. Increased traffic, towering homes blocking the sky. I don’t

love it. But one thing hasn’t changed -- my spot in my front porch rocker. Everything feels different, but I

haven’t moved. And I’m okay. 

Abide in the steadfast love of our unchanging, faithful God. Tell the truth about Him to your shaking

heart, lean in, and find rest. I’ll be doing the same. 

Father, speak truth to us today. Teach us to speak it to ourselves and one another. Don’t allow us to be

shaken by the changes and uncertainties around us. Instead, cause us to trust You and Your character in

all things, for Your glory. Amen.



By Lori Barkley

Lori and her husband, Jim, attend the Armstrong Mill campus where she serves as a deacon. Lori works in

the FRC at the Jessamine Early Learning Village in Nicholasville. They have two teenage daughters, Brynn

and Katy.