Embrace Change

Change—it’s a word that most of us would rather never have to deal with. But it’s a word that all of us at some point in our lives will have to deal with. Change can be scary, full of unknowns, or completely out of our control. So, what do we do when facing an unexpected curve in life? Trust. Trust God. Trust that no matter what happens next, no matter the short-term or long-term consequences of the change, God is still in control. 

Scripture is full of encouragement and words of hope that we can cling to during crazy, uncertain times in life. It is easy to become anxious or worried when we are facing a change. But God reminds us in Philippians 4:6–7, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” Knowing the truth of who God is can transform a moment of worry or anxiety into peace.  

Jeremiah 29:11 says, “‘For I know the plans that I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope.’” The Lord was speaking to the Israelites, but what we learn from this passage about God is something we can cling to today because it is based on who He is. God is in control.

Psalm 103:19 tells us, “The Lord has established His throne in the heavens, and His sovereignty rules over all.” He is sovereign over all. That means all, everything, everyone, every circumstance. He has a plan. He is in control. He is not surprised by the change happening in our lives. He is not concerned about what to do now when life seems to throw us a curveball. When you are faced with a big change in your life, you can trust in the unchanging character of God.

James 1:17 tells us, “Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow.” Change will always be a part of life. But our God is the same God that was with the Israelites in exile. He is the same God today that He was then, and He will be the same God tomorrow that He has always been. He is trustworthy.      

Years ago, I bought a wall decal that says, “When you can’t see God’s hand, trust His heart.” In those moments of change, when we can’t see God’s hand, we can trust His heart. But to trust it, we must know it. And we know it by what God reveals to us about Himself in Scripture.

Job 34:21 says, “For His eyes are upon the ways of a person, and He sees all his steps.” He sees you! You are not hidden from Him. Proverbs 16:3 tells us to “commit your works to the Lord and your plans will be established.” He is in control; we need only to commit our lives to Him. The entire chapter of Psalm 37 reminds us of who God is and that He is trustworthy. Verses 23–24 tell us that “the steps of a man are established by the Lord, and He delights in his way. When he falls, he will not be hurled headlong, because the Lord is the One who holds his hand.” Earlier in the chapter, we are reminded to trust in the Lord and do good, delight ourselves in the Lord, commit our way to the Lord and trust Him, then rest in the Lord and wait patiently for Him. 

Psalm 17:5 says, “My steps have held to Your paths. My feet have not slipped.” Proverbs 16:9 reminds us that “The mind of man plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps.” The Lord is with you, holding you up by his almighty hand. We need to commit our way to the Lord and then trust Him that He will not let us fall. He will not leave us—ever!   

Even when the change we are facing appears to have nothing good in it, we can trust God in His Word in Romans 8:28, when He reminds us that “we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.” 

Scripture is full of stories and these beautiful nuggets of truth. Are you facing a big change in life? Are you struggling to trust God through it? Dig in His Word and be reminded of the goodness of God. He is sovereign and in control. He is trustworthy and full of compassion. He is faithful, and He is true. His eyes have never once glanced away from you. He can and will work all things for the good of His children. Your job is to trust Him. His job is to hold on to you, guide you, and sustain you.

Questions for Thought

• What change are you facing, and are you struggling to trust God in it?
• When change comes, have you prepared yourself to combat doubt and fear with the truth of God?