Constant

I’ve never been good at Math. If I remember correctly, I flunked a couple of HS subjects that necessitated me doing computations of any kind. Let’s see…Trigonometry (or was it Algebra?). Statistics. And oh, yes the other one was a Science subject that needed a bit of Math, Chemistry. I unfortunately lost precious summer hours going to school to have another chance at understanding mathematical principles. Even now, Math can sometimes give me a hard time. When, while cooking, I’d have to convert the grams, the Fahrenheit and other measurements when the need arises for it in the recipe.

But lately I have been thinking of a word that is included in the glossary of mathematical terms: CONSTANT. Merriam-Webster describes it as thus: a number that is assumed not to change value in a given mathematical discussion. As the term suggests, you can count on a constant to be invariable, unchanging. If the value assigned to a constant is a 5, it will remain a 5. It will not suddenly increase to a 6 or decrease to a 4.

Now what made me, a Math-allergic editor, consider this concept? One thing: Of all the changes that will and can happen in my life, there is one constant that makes me feel safe: the nature and character of God. It’s easy to think of God being all wonderful and faithful and all the superlatives when you’re perfectly healthy, you’re up for a promotion at work. You’ve got all your ducks lined up in a row. Life is great. But what about times when you’re sick in bed, work is difficult, and you don’t know where to go to next? Does your view of God change? From being a loving, caring God, in your mind, does He suddenly transform into a cruel, cold tyrant whose main job is to make you miserable?

Whenever there are things about life that I don’t understand, I try to remind myself that God is constant. Yes, doubts and fears can assail me, and frankly, I could toss and turn all night yet I still won’t have an answer to my questions the morning I wake up (if I ever sleep at all). But so far my experience in life has thus taught me: God does not change; He is immutable. Put simply, constant. He is not a capricious, double-minded supreme being who, on a whim, would decide to shake the earth just to see how I would react when I’m admiring a rainbow.

Nobody wants to be in a position where he’s clueless about today or insecure about tomorrow. Maybe that’s where I am right now. But what keeps me from getting swept away by all sorts of emotions is the constancy of God. If my memory serves me right, He has never left me. Even when He is silent, my heart still tells me He’s there. I have been a witness to the many miracles and surprises from His powerful hand and loving heart. Bad times do not last forever, even when you feel you’ll be in the pits for eternity. In my dictionary, God is I-can’t-believe-how-good-He-is good. That good.

Constant. I love this term. And I don’t even have to do any mathematical equation to appreciate it. All this blogger needs to do is to look up.

Trust His Heart*

God is too wise to be mistaken
God is too good to be unkind
So when you don’t understand
When you don’t see His plan
When you can’t trace His hand
Trust His heart

*Singing this song lately.