Change is inevitable. Change happens all the time, sometimes we are able to notice it, sometimes not. Yet it happens all the time, it’s part of life whether we like it or not. Change can be overwhelming and frightful because we can’t control it. And that seems to be the root of all fear. We don’t want to lose control. What to do then?

Paradoxically, the way to cope with change is to surrender all control to Jesus. When we release control to him (knowing that we are in good hands), we are free to enjoy life without fears. When we trust God to take care of us no matter what changes, we thrive even in the midst of chaos.

Casting the whole of your care [all your anxieties, all your worries, all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares for you affectionately and cares about you watchfully. (1 Peter 5:7, AMP,*)

How can we be certain that change does not harm us? We have not been promised problem-free existence. But God will always be with us and he cares deeply for us. We sure have difficulties in our lives but nothing can harm our souls. Even if the world tumbles down, we are safe in God. We can build our lives on the permanence of His word. We can cope with any change when we abide in the risen Christ.

For Jesus doesn’t change—yesterday, today, tomorrow, he’s always totally himself. (Hebrews 13:8, MSG,*)

When we are anchored in Jesus, we are always safe, no matter how turbulent our life is. The more we abide in Jesus, the more peace we experience. That’s why…when you need to endure change, remember to spend lots of time with Jesus. When we live in Christ Jesus, his peace will always guard our hearts and minds. That’s how we cope with change. With Jesus.

Don’t fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God’s wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It’s wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life. (Philippians 4:6-7, MSG.*)

 

Gracious God,
Thank you for Jesus.
Thank you for showing us
how to cope with change.
Thank you for being never-changing.
Thank you that we can build our lives
on your promises.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen

Q4U: How do you cope with change?

Be blessed, my fellow pilgrim, as you embrace Jesus in the midst of changes!

* [As you might have noticed, I enjoy reading the Bible in different translations and love comparing them. I have started linking the Bible verses to Biblegateway.com so you can easily read (and compare) them in the different versions I’ve used while preparing each post.]

Image courtesy of Quality Church Media, design Mari-Anna Stålnacke. Linking up today with Faith-filled Fridays, Five Minute Friday and Faith Jam.