The Israelites in the wilderness lived in constant change. The moment the pillar of cloud stopped, they pitched their tents. But come morning, before the sun had even risen, the trumpet would sound. The ark would start moving. The fiery pillar would lead them through narrow mountain passes, up hillsides, across scorching desert wastes. They barely had time to catch their breath before they heard it: "Away! This is not your rest! Keep moving toward Canaan!"

They were never anywhere long. Even wells and palm trees couldn't hold them. And yet—and yet!—they had a permanent home in their God. His pillar of cloud was their roof. His pillar of fire was their hearth. Yes, they had to keep moving from place to place, constantly changing, never settling down long enough to say, "Finally, we're secure. This is where we'll stay."

But Moses declared, "Though we are always changing, Lord, you have been our dwelling place throughout all generations."

The Christian knows no change when it comes to God. You may be rich today and poor tomorrow. Healthy today and sick tomorrow. Happy today and crushed tomorrow. But nothing changes in your relationship with God. Nothing. If he loved you yesterday, he loves you today. Your unshakeable mansion of rest is your blessed Lord.

So let your prospects be ruined. Let your hopes be shattered. Let your joy dry up. Let disease destroy everything you've built. You have lost nothing—nothing!—of what you have in God. He is your strong habitation, where you can always, always run.

I am a pilgrim in this world, but at home in my God. In the earth I wander, but in God I dwell in a quiet habitation.