Articles
Dealing With Change
Human tendency is to continue in what is familiar to us. A large source of stress in the world today is change in our day to day routine. Whether our typical route to work is blocked, or we are given a new task that is unfamiliar to us, these small changes from the norm can be challenging to deal with. Much more then, large changes in life can be quite daunting. The stress brought about by change can cause us to be worried, anxious, scared, or even depressed. Paul exhorts us to “be anxious for nothing” (Philippians 4:6), and Jesus similarly instructed, “Do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself” (Matthew 6:34). We understand these words, but they are easier said than done! Let’s look at a few things we can do to effectively deal with the changes of life.
Take things one day at a time. Jesus’ directive in Matthew 6:34 is quite practical. He understood human tendency to try to solve problems that haven’t occurred yet, but also that tomorrow is beyond our control. Worry is a tool of the devil. It is a trick he plays on us to make us seek the control that really belongs to God. Next time you feel yourself worrying about tomorrow, remember, “Worry does not empty tomorrow of its sorrow. It empties today of its strength” (Corrie Boom). Tomorrow will worry about itself.
Help someone else. Whether you have experienced a difficult change yourself, or know of someone who is going through one, reaching out and helping them could be one of the best things for you. “Let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith” (Galatians 6:9-10). Paul here encourages us to keep on doing good to all people because we will reap accordingly. We do not help others so they will owe us, but it sure makes it easier for them to help us if we have shown them we care. Our love can be shown through our words and our deeds, whether we speak a kind word of encouragement to someone in need, or help him take care of things when he is overwhelmed. God wants us to serve others. By doing so, we will reap accordingly, and gain valuable experience that may help us when we walk through the valleys of life.
Hold on to the constants. When things begin to shift around us, we tend to focus on the change and lose sight of that which is stable. We have to keep the right perspective. Regardless of the magnitude of the change we are dealing with, some things will remain the same. When we change jobs, our family is still there to support us. When we move, our friends still care for us. When we lose a loved one, we can still find comfort in our brethren. However, as much trust as we can put in people we care about, we will not have them forever. The one true, everlasting constant is the Lord our God. When Moses experienced a great life shift, having left the riches of Egypt to lead the Israelites out of that land, God sent him as the messenger of “I AM” (Exodus 3:13-14). Today, we can still find unmatched comfort in knowing the Lord. Jesus Christ is “the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End... who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty” (Revelation 1:8). With God as our Father and Christ as our redeemer and friend, we have nothing to fear, come whatever may in our lives here! A good friend once reminded me that, “wherever you go, you’ll always have your best friend with you!” When the changes come, go to Jesus, the solid rock.
Life can be tough. We will all face changes at times that weigh us down, but we can persevere. God has promised difficulties in life, but he has promised blessings beyond what we can even think to ask. We must always rely on His wisdom, His promises, and His security through anything that comes our way. “His oath, His covenant, His blood support me in the whelming flood. When all around my soul gives way, He then is all my hope and stay. On Christ, the solid rock, I stand. All other ground is sinking sand.”
