Seasonal transitions remind us that life is full of change. The cooler temperatures and vibrant colors of fall make this an even more present reminder. While we seem to welcome the variety that seasonal changes bring, we seem less impressed with many of the everyday changes in our lives. This begs the question – why are some changes welcome and others not so much?
We like to live in our comfort zone.
Let’s face it, we love our comforts! We like the comforts of cozy fall bonfires and warm beverages; of sweaters and boots; of friends and family gathering for football or other fall activities. Honestly, this can apply to any season as each one brings a level of familiarity in activities and time with family and friends. Familiarity and predictability make us feel secure, and feelings of security are peaceful ones, indeed. When changes of any kind move us toward our comforts, we love them!
Changes that move us away from our comfort zone can be scary.
But what about those changes that don’t move us toward our comfort zone? The inevitable march toward the cold winter (or heat of summer); job changes for us or for family or friends; the need to move our home base, even if only locally; a change in health status, especially on a chronic level; the growth of our children toward the next stage on the inevitable path of adulthood; the changes of divorce or widowhood that range from unsettling to downright devastating. What does God want us to do with those? How do we respond in a God-honoring way when we are propelled from our cozy comforts both physically and mentally?
In times of change, we can be encouraged by some truths from God’s Word.
- Remember that God never changes.
Malachi 3:6 tells us: “For I the Lord do not change; therefore you, O children of Jacob, are not consumed.” And, in James 1:17, we are reminded that “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.”
In all change, good or bad, welcome or not so welcome, we have the comfort that God is steady even when the world around us is not.
- Remember that changes in life are part of God's plan.
Isaiah 55:8-9 reminds us: “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts."
Perhaps God allows some of those uncomfortable changes in our lives to remind us, that even when we just do not understand why it has to be so hard, he does indeed have plans for us. He may be using the changes to grow us and prepare us for what lies ahead or to point us down a new path that is better for us.
- Remember that change pushes us toward dependence and reminds us where our strength comes from.
When the unwelcome changes of life threaten to overwhelm us, God provides an answer we may not expect. Maybe the discomfort that change brings is part of cultivating dependence on him.
In Psalm 55:22, we are told to “Cast your burden on the Lord, and he will sustain you; he will never permit the righteous to be moved.” In John 15:5, Jesus tells us, “I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing."
Uncomfortable change also provides assurance that our strength in life comes from God. “He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak” (Isaiah 40:29, NIV).
May every season of change remind us of God's unending care.
The growth cycle of seasonal change provides variety. Imagine how boring life would be if everything was the same all the time?! The gray of a long, Midwestern winter is a poignant reminder that we should welcome change. We get excited to see the first buds of spring, the longer days, and THE COLORS! Who knew there were so many shades of green?
May we allow them to remind us that all the changes of life, welcome or unwelcome, are part of God’s care for us. May we cultivate an attitude that all changes are part of God’s provision for us - the happy ones that bring us joy and peace as well as the not-so-happy ones that provide an opportunity to grow and stretch toward dependence on our Heavenly Father as he prepares us for our eternal home.
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