I’ve been in medicine for over 37 years and I’ve seen a lot of things change in that time. When I started out we didn’t have computers in my Dad’s office. All our charts were handwritten and the notes usually covered about a half a page. Now, everything’s done on computers and my notes run 4-6 pages.
There’ve been so many other changes. Cell phones, smart watches, and digital x-rays. HIV, avian flu, and COVID. We used to give antibiotics for the mildest cough, but now we avoid them unless absolutely indicated. Treatment methodologies which were standard practice 30 years ago have fallen by the wayside, as new research has pointed us in different directions.
One of the most exciting changes is the rise of Lifestyle Medicine, which uses diet, exercise, and other lifestyle changes as first line treatment for chronic diseases like diabetes, heart disease, and even cancer prevention. I’m going to the annual Lifestyle Medicine Conference in Denver this next week and can hardly wait to see what the newest research shows in this rapidly growing field (actually I’m looking forward to the food most of all – it’s usually fantastic!).
Change is not limited to medicine. Whether it’s technology, agriculture, social science, politics, or almost any area, the rate of change can make you dizzy. Nature too changes constantly, one season following another. Even relationships can change in a moment. Sometimes it can be overwhelming, leaving us wondering what we can really count on.
Thankfully there is One who never changes – Jesus Christ! He “is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” (Hebrews 13:8 NLT). Even when everything else seems to be falling apart around you, He is the solid Rock you can build your life on.
Change is inevitable, except when it comes to our God. The “mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him…” (Psalm 103:17). When your world is spinning out of control, hold on to Jesus. He loves you with an everlasting love and that’s one thing which will never change.