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This is a series about Bible verses that have been foundational to the faith of many members of the CRCNA. The verses shared here have all been anonymously collected from the denominational survey, which one-fifth of CRCNA churches participate in every year. See scripture for life, from youth, for parenting, for the foundation of faith, for forming habits with scripture, and for crossing generations.
Change is inevitable.
As life goes on, we experience change in our bodies, our relationships, our faith, and even our understanding of life itself. But amid these shifting realities, Scripture offers us profound reminders of God’s eternal presence and the hope we have in Him.
The following verses help remind all of us of the scripture that has guided members of our denomination throughout times of change.
“Remember him—before the silver cord is severed, and the golden bowl is broken; before the pitcher is shattered at the spring, and the wheel broken at the well, and the dust returns to the ground it came from, and the spirit returns to God who gave it.”
This verse was mentioned by an older member of our denoimnation, who found themselves reflecting on what eternal life really means. Here, the writer of Ecclesiastes paints a poetic picture of life’s fragile nature. These words remind us that our time on this earth is temporary, but they also hold a promise—our spirit returns to God. Eternal life is something beyond our earthly experience, something far greater than our limited understanding. What will that look like? What will it mean to be fully in God’s presence? When we reflect on these words, we can find comfort in knowing that the end of our earthly journey is just the beginning of something far more glorious.
How does knowing your spirit will return to God change the way you live today?
“Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from him. Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken. My salvation and my honor depend on God; he is my mighty rock, my refuge. Trust in him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge.”
For one respondent, this verse serves as a reminder to continue to trust in God, even when our physical capabilities decline. David’s words are a source of deep reassurance. As we age, our strength may fade, but our hope remains steadfast in God. When our capacities begin to decline, it is easy to become discouraged, yet God invites us to find rest in Him. He is our rock, unchanging and secure in the midst of life's uncertainties. No matter what changes we face, we can always turn to Him as our refuge.
What does it mean for you to find rest in God during this season of life?
“Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.”
One person in our denomination said, quite succinctly, "I'm almost 75 years old and my thoughts are becoming more frequent about my heavenly home." For them, this verse was often on their minds, because the psalmist acknowledges a truth that becomes clearer as we grow older—everything on earth is temporary. Wealth, status, health, and even our most cherished relationships will not last forever. But God remains. He is our strength, our portion, our eternal hope. As our earthly bodies weaken, our longing for our heavenly home grows stronger. This verse reminds us that even when all else fades, God is enough.
How does knowing that God is your portion change your perspective on aging and eternity?
Aging brings many changes, but it also brings wisdom and a deeper understanding of what truly matters. The hope we have in Christ is not just for the future—it transforms how we live now. Each day, we can choose to trust in God’s promises, finding peace in His unchanging nature and looking forward to the day when our spirit returns to Him. Until then, may we continue to rest in His presence, find strength in His Word, and encourage one another in faith.
What changes are you experiencing today, and how is God revealing His presence through them?
Faith Nurture, Faith Practices
Faith Nurture
Faith Nurture, Biblical Justice
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Listen to Me . . . you whom I have upheld since your birth, and have carried since you were born. Even to your old age and gray hairs I am He, I am He who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you. With whom will you compare Me or count Me equal? To whom will you liken Me that we may be compared?
ISAIAH 46:3-5 (NIV)
Thanks for sharing this verse, Wout! It's another great reminder of God's love and guidance throughout all of our lives.
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