Mute is an old word meaning “to change.” God’s character and His love for us will never change. So when it seems He has, what is really happening?

Let’s start with the original definition of the word immutable. Its root is mute – a verb that first meant “to change”. Immutable means “not having the ability to change.” The Psalmist writes that everything God created will change, decay, and wear out, but He will never change. When this earth is gone, He will still be good and loving, just as He is today and just as He was at the beginning of time. It’s a comfort to know that God’s goodness and His love for us will never decay and disappear. He will never become less of Who He is.

We use the word mute differently now. Mute is the button on a remote control which turns off the volume of our electronic devices. We often ask others to mute things – to turn them down so the volume is lower or off. Does this fit God? Is God not-mutable? Yes. We cannot turn down His communication with us. He continually talks to us and consistently reminds us of His love for us. He always warns us of things that will hurt us. Unfortunately, we often turn up the volume of many things around us and tune into competing voices. He has not changed. We have.

Heavenly Father, Help me to remember that You are immutable – You never change and Your messages of love, hope and peace never fade away. Help me turn down the volume of the things that compete with Your voice and listen intently to You. I want to hear You above the chatter and clatter of this world. And Father, even as my body slowly decays and my memory fades, keep reminding me that You are always the same.

What have you found to be helpful in muting the competing noises in your life so that you can hear God’s voice?