Change

Change


Reflections by the Sea © Betsy Ore Glass
September 07, 2011

Hear, O Lord, and be merciful to me; O Lord, be my help. -Psalm 30:10 NIV

Change seems to be everywhere. Change is one of those words that bring with it a lot of feelings and emotions when it surrounds us. Probably the simplest way to describe change is ‘to pass from one state to another.’ Seasonal changes we tend to welcome and look forward to with anticipation. We know what to expect year after year. The fall colors of this season are about to emerge as the leaves turn from green to golden yellow, deep red and burnt orange. Pumpkins are displayed on front porches, replacing pots of tired geraniums. Gardens are being harvested for the last of the summer vegetables, while firewood gets stacked near the back door before the onset of winter. The transition from season to season is somewhat predictable.

It’s the unexpected, unpredictable turns that come upon us at times that can shift our lives in another direction. How do we cope? That’s when our faith is of utmost importance. Some changes in our life can be devastating such as an illness, divorce, and the death of a loved one. Other changes may not be as impactful, but nevertheless they do affect us. God made us adaptable and flexible. We can face anything that comes to us. God won’t leave us alone to get through these times of difficulty by ourselves. We can count on Him. He made us strong. We can rely on His strength to help us. How we choose to react to change determines how we will be able to manage it. Something to think about. God’s plan is at work in our lives and in our surroundings. We must never forget that. Yes, God is part of everything and every situation. We don’t always know the reason why things happen. He will allow things at times to occur to bring us back closer to Him and to strengthen us. As we are certain to meet change almost daily, we should remember that God does not change. He is always there with His promises to lift us up out of the mire on to high ground again. We can take refuge in Him and He will take our pain and give us strength in its place. It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect. Psalm 18:21 NIV