CHANGE #2

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 understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus”. (NKJV).

Change is one consistent fact of life.  Some people thrive in times of change, others are challenged by change.  My life seems to have been a chapter of changes in recent times.

All around us things are changing.  Morals that have stood for centuries are changing.  We live in a very different world to that of our forefathers.

Yet Malachi 3:6 says; For I am the LORD, I do not change; Therefore you are not consumed, O sons of Jacob.  (NKJV).

It is comforting to know the One who remains steadfast, unchanging, immoveable as we…, are buffeted by the winds of change.

Don’t forget there is a future for us.  Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord , plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.  (RSV).  God does have a great future for us!  He sees it already!  For some of us we need to change to enter that future.

But how do we face change?  How can we stay connected and faithful to the One who does not change, yet make any necessary adjustments?   How do we protect our mind in changing times?  Here’s a few thoughts.

1.   Let’s not overthink things.

…Be anxious for nothing,…

Let’s not overthink the issues, and come up with all sorts of amazing scenarios of what might/could/should happen.  Unfortunately, the human mind has this capacity.

There are many things we can’t and won’t understand.  Maybe there are things God doesn’t want us to understand; remember His ways are higher than ours.  (See Isaiah 55:9).

At those times, what we need to do, (which has been said is easier for men to do), is to put them into the “I don’t understand” box.  Put them into the “I don’t know just now” box.  Put them into the “I don’t know what’s going on” box.  It is not a lack of faith to have these confessions.

Then, move to a greater box called the “I AM” box.  Put them into the “I’m happy being in the ‘I don’t know box’ because I know that One who does know”.  There’s peace and confidence knowing the One who has all things under control.

  • Question — How can we unload our mind to receive the peace God has promised?

2.     Let’s just trust God.

… with thanksgiving …

Remember – Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.  (NKJV).

Something amazing happens when we roll off on to Him all the things going on in our mind.  In times when we don’t understand, we know Someone Who does!  That means we can trust Him.

Let’s just trust God, to lead us through the changes, whatever they may be for us personally.

Transitions are usually unknown territory.  We may not have been this way before.  But we know He knows the future, and has built a good bridge (the means of transition from here to there), so we can trust that it will take our weight as we move across.

  • Question — How can we “Just Trust God”, and what does that look like?

3.     Let’s be prayerful.

…in everything by prayer and supplication …

Well, I mean, what can be better than bringing stuff to the Lord in prayer?  I think its right that “life” and its issues drive us to prayer.  That’s a good thing.  Remember, we have a Heavenly Father who loves it when we come to Him, in whatever state we find ourselves.

A life of prayer brings balance to life’s issues.

  • Question — What are the benefits of strong prayer in changing times?

4.     Let’s not allow our thoughts to divert our attention from God, and His Word.

…and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus…

It’s important that our focus is not drawn away from hearing from God.  Nothing should ever draw us away from our regular devotional habits.  The routine and rhythm we have to seek His face will sustain us in uncertain times.  It becomes a flow of spiritual power and energy and a source of strength and hope.

Some of the best times I’ve heard from God have been in my most uncertain times.

  • Question — In uncertain times, how can we strengthen our personal devotional life?

Kristin Armstrong says;

“Times of transition are strenuous, but I love them. They are an opportunity to purge, rethink priorities, and be intentional about new habits”.

Perhaps in the changes and transitions we’re facing, is the Hand of God.  Gently leading and guiding us to become a better person, with stronger character, clearer in our call, and more Christ-like.  That person is surely one the world needs.

Issue #66 MARCH 2017. Brief Word comes out every month. Feel free to forward, photocopy and/or post this Brief Word to your Friends. You may be the very means God uses to impact someone’s life with the reality of the love of Jesus and the life changing power of God’s Word. If you wish to be on our regular E-Mailing list, please use the SUBSCRIBE form . If you would prefer to receive this E-Mail in Plain Text, please inform us. If you no longer wish to receive the Brief Word, you can unsubscribe at any time. Check out www.goodwords.nz for free articles, archive copies of Brief Word and other resources.