I recently visited my childhood home. I hadn’t been there in decades, and a lot had changed. So much so that I didn’t really recognize the place. The meadows had turned into thick groves of trees. A few familiar big old trees had fallen or been removed. Small trees had grown large or been crowded out. The undergrowth had even changed from thick blackberry brambles to Virginia creepers.

There used to be path, a shortcut my sister and I would take to catch the school bus every morning. We were usually running late so we’d need to fly down the path that had been worn into the side of the hill. In rain or sun, thick greenery or deep snow, we knew exactly where to step and which trees to grab onto to keep from falling when careening down the steep slope.

During my recent visit, I tried to find that old path. I pushed through some thick vines and saplings, climbing unsteadily where I thought the path had started. I turned back and tried again a few times, but the landmark trees, roots, and cleared dirt patches were nowhere to be found.

I nearly gave up when I started to notice one element that remained unchanged. The rocks. Several boulders that we had used to mark our way were easily recognizable in the thick undergrowth. Like old friends, they remained unchanged and unmoved, ready to guide my way.

“Trust in the Lord forever, because in the Lord, the Lord himself, is an everlasting rock!” (‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭26‬:‭4‬, ‭CSB‬‬)

God is unchanging. Like a rock, He is unmoved by time or changed by seasons. He is the same today as He was when He created the earth. And He will be the same long after I am gone.

When I feel lost in this life, I can always turn to God to be reminded of the truth. He will guide me to the right path.

Dear God, thank you for being my solid rock. I so easily get distracted and confused by conflicting voices and blinded by worry. Teach me to return my mind to your unchanging word and anchoring promises. You are my rock.