Facing Change
Change. It’s part of life. Sometimes, it’s welcomed, but other times, it’s dreaded. Jobs change. Relationships change. Financial circumstances change. Feelings change. People change. Change often causes us to feel unsettled or troubled. What can help us to feel settled and at peace?
How can we navigate changes in life without being dragged along by feelings of uncertainty, doubt, or fear?
Finding Help
Looking to the Bible for help, we see a recurring theme related to this question. God’s Word calls us to trust God and be at peace. That’s easier said than done. But God doesn’t give us expectations without giving us the means to accomplish them. God promises peace as we trust in Him. Consider a few promises from the Bible.
Proverbs 3:5-6 instructs us, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths.”
In John 14:27, Jesus said, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.”
Philippians 4:6-7 promises, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, with prayer and supplication, let your requests be made known to God, and the peace of God which surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Fostering Focus
The best thing we can do in facing life’s changes is to focus on truth. Ultimately, Jesus is the truth. In John 14:6, He said, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life.” When we focus on Jesus, we are focusing on truth. And when we focus on truth, we will be set free from fear. In John 8:31-32, Jesus said, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” As we look to Jesus and reflect on who He is, our view of things takes a different perspective. We learn to see beyond our circumstances and remember that God is wisely working out His plans for our good. Having the proper focus does not change our circumstances but can change our attitudes and feelings. Ask the Lord to change your fear to faith as you face the inevitable changes in life.
Angela McKnight has been in Christian ministry for almost 30 years, serving in various capacities in worship ministry, women’s ministry, and as a pastor’s wife. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Music Composition and a Master’s degree in Church Music. She is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Ministry. She and her husband, Tim, met in seminary and have been serving together in ministry ever since. She is Vice President of Engage Every Generation, a ministry that seeks to reach people from every generation with the hope of the gospel.
