“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea.”
Psalm 46:1-2 (KJV)
“Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. Quench not the Spirit.”
1 Thessalonians 5:16-19 (KJV)
Autumn leaves
Several years ago, I moved house, church and jobs within the space of a couple of months. After five years in my job and all my life in one home and one church, I was starting anew. And, while God clearly indicated that each move was His will, the combination of new environments was emotionally unsettling.
Whether we welcome or dread them, changes challenge our physical, spiritual and mental limits. A sought-for promotion can bring overwhelming responsibilities. A longed-for baby that just won’t settle will upend their parents’ lives. A health issue or family need can abruptly dominate priorities.
Yet change happens, just as surely as a deciduous tree loses its leaves each autumn. “And He [God] changeth the times and the seasons: he removeth kings, and setteth up kings: he giveth wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them that know understanding,” (Daniel 2:21). Humans change too: on Sunday they cried “Hosanna to the Son of David,” (Matthew 21:9) and less than a week later, they shouted, “Away with him, away with him, crucify him,” (John 19:15).
Whatever our circumstances, change can trigger significant emotional turbulence. We may flip between emotions such as denial, fear, anger, bitterness, loneliness and discouragement. No matter how wise we think we are, we are vulnerable to making bad decisions. King David was a giant-slayer and warrior king, yet he fled in panic when his son Absalom betrayed him (2 Samuel 15).
However, as Christians, our faith is placed in an unchanging God and Saviour, “Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever,” (Hebrews 13:8). “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea,” (Psalm 46:1-2). Do you feel like you are completely lost at sea, all certainty vanished? Remember, “Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast,” (Hebrews 6:19a).
God understands both what is happening and how He can use it to teach us, or reach others. Many things don’t make sense to us. Why should I be ‘punished’ for someone else’s actions? Why do I have to give up my plans because something changed? Yet Romans 8:28 says, “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” Acts 16 records how Paul and Silas’ ministry was apparently shut down when they were unjustly imprisoned. Yet God was sovereign, because, of all the people in the city of Philippi, it was a jailer who needed to hear the gospel (Acts 16:30). Jesus, in agony at Gethsemane, prayed, “Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done,” (Luke 22:42). Just as Jesus surrendered to doing God’s will, we too must trust God will use what is happening for His glory and our good.
1 Thessalonians 5 tells us, “Rejoice evermore,” (v16). Really? How can I rejoice when I have been robbed of something or someone valuable? Agreed. Our attempts to ‘grin and bear it’ will fail. But the Holy Spirit, God Himself, indwells us, “And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the LORD,” (Psalm 40:3).
“Pray without ceasing,” (1 Thessalonians 5:17). “Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus,” (Philippians 4:6-7). Pray when you feel too discouraged to pray. Pray when you can’t think straight, and pray when the road seems straightforward. The Bible never tells us to stop praying!
“In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you,” (1 Thessalonians 5:18). Recently, a change in circumstances triggered considerable fear and uncertainty. I still don’t feel thankful for the circumstances themselves–but I am thankful for God’s presence, “For he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee,” (Hebrews 13:5b). I am thankful that He limits Satan’s power (Job 1:12), and God looks after His children, promising, “When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee,” (Isaiah 43:2a).
Finally, “Quench not the Spirit,” (1 Thessalonians 5:19). While any sin and doubt can restrict the Holy Spirit’s working, when it comes to change, we need humility. “But our God is in the heavens: he hath done whatsoever he hath pleased,” (Psalm 115:3). God is the ruler of the universe. I am not. God has the right to use circumstances to teach us; Job declared, “But He [God] knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold,” (Job 23:10). Yet we are often defensive in new situations and missing learning opportunities. There we are, first day in a new job, pretending we know everything. But really, we don’t even know where the teaspoons are kept in the staff kitchen! Listen to the people God has placed in your life too. King David, overwhelmed by grief, almost triggered a rebellion after the death of Absalom. In such situations, we need a blunt, brave friend like Joab, who will tell us to stop being a selfish idiot (2 Samuel 19)!
So how should we handle change? Take a moment to work through those challenging initial emotions, and feel free to cry if required. Then take a deep breath. Rather than succumbing to fear, “Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths,” (Proverbs 3:5-6).
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