All the elements in The Periodic Table are made up of atoms.

For most of the 19^th century, it was thought that atoms were the smallest and most basic building blocks of all matter. And in a sense that is true — each element is made up of one kind of atom. For example, hydrogen is only made up of hydrogen atoms.

But then a bunch of smart scientists (folks like J.J. Thomson, Wilhelm Wien, Ernest Rutherford, and others) discovered that inside the atom were subatomic particles. They discovered protons, neutrons, and electrons.

Protons and neutrons are found inside the nucleus — the command center of every atom. Protons carry a positive charge while neutrons carry no charge at all. Electrons are found outside the nucleus and carry a negative charge.

Why does this matter?

Well, the number of protons inside the nucleus is called the atomic number. It’s this number that gives each element its unique identity. Said another way, the number of protons determines the identity of the element. Hydrogen has 1 proton. It’s the only element that has just 1. If an element has more than 1 proton, than it’s not Hydrogen. Mercury has 80 protons. Only Mercury has 80 protons. Change the number of protons, and you get a different element. 79 protons? That’s not Mercury. That’s not Hydrogen. That’s Gold.

This concept — that the number of protons determines the element — is a consistent characteristic of the Periodic Table. The elements are arranged by their atomic number. In a world of what often seems like constant change and chaos, it’s nice to have something to depend on.

“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.”

Hebrews 13:8

“I the Lord do not change.”

Malachi 3:6

God is dependable too.

He’s the same God that was in the beginning with Adam and Eve.

He’s the same God who parted the Red Sea.

He’s the same God who helped David defeat Goliath.

He’s the same God who was with Jonah in the belly of the whale.

He’s the same God who healed the sick, the blind, and the lame.

He’s the same God who rode in on a donkey, was nailed to a cross, and rose from the dead three days later — officially defeating death once and for all.

“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

“Your faithfulness continues through all generations; you established the earth, and it endures.”

Psalm 119:90

It’s comforting to know that God is who He always will be. He’s consistent and reliable.

“We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure.”

Hebrews 6:19

We can depend on Him. He’s the same God who determined Mercury would have 80 protons. No more. No less.

Count on it. Count on Him.

Bonus Fact: Since the discovery of protons, we’ve learned that protons themselves are composed of even smaller particles called quarks. Who knows? One day, we may even find out those are made up even tinier things!