I took this picture from a ridgeline in the Smoky Mountains over the weekend. I would like you to think that I made a treacherous hike up rugged slopes in freezing, blustery weather, but I found the sky lift to be a better option.

What a beautiful, snow-covered mountain. Big and strong. Unmoving.

There is permanence in the mountain. The mountain was here before the United States, before Europeans, even before Native Americans. It has stood in its place for ages.

The mountain reminds me of the permanence of God. God is perfect; thus, unchanging. All knowing. All powerful. All present.

“Before the mountains were born or you brought forth the whole world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God.” (Psalm 90:2)

If our nation fades into oblivion and many generations pass, I am fairly confident that the mountain will still be here, much as it is today.

I am completely confident that God will still be here, the same as He was before He created the world and even time itself. He will be the same when the world passes away.

God’s permanent and immeasurable attributes may make you feel infinitesimal compared to Him.

“What is mankind that you are mindful of them, human beings that you care for them.” (Psalm 8:4)

Despite this, God still knows you.

“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart.” (Jeremiah 1:5)



“For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11)

You are unique and special.

God loves you.

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16)

God’s love is both personal and inclusive.

God offers forgiveness, redemption, and restoration. He is holding His hand out to take your hand. He wants you to take His hand. The decision is up to you. Just reach out.

“If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” (Romans 10:9)

God does not change.

“I the Lord do not change.” (Malachi 6:3)

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

The mountain reminds me of the permanence of God.