The year that is coming to an end has seen a remarkable amount of change, and most of that does not seem to have been for the better. Lock-downs, school closures, business failures, family reunions spoiled, and celebrations cancelled all were a part of our life. Much of it was well-meaning,
of course and we did what we thought we needed to do. Still, these changes have left us tired and stressed and a little hollow inside.
But even “good changes” are difficult. A wedding, a new child, a new job, a new home, a new car, and even a new friend all are good things. But each comes with a new set of challenges, and some unforeseeable stressors.
Different people handle stress differently. Some just withdraw, others accept it all and grow weary making room for it, and still others turn to the diversion of alcohol or drugs. However you handle the stress change brings, be it good or bad change, we all know that it takes its toll on us, in body, mind, and spirit.
It’s good to keep in mind that change is part of life in a fallen, broken world. The very nature of sin creates chain reactions so that even good things often are bittersweet. If we grasp this, it helps us deal with change in healthy ways.
For God, in His grace, is making all things new:
There is a New Covenant, and in Christ we are “one new man.”
To be born again is to become a new self, part of a new creation.
And at the right time, God will reveal a New Heaven and New Earth.
So part of what is changing is that the old things (the changeable, stressful things) are passing away, eventually making room for all things new. The writer to the Hebrews reminds us (Hebrews 1:11) that it is God alone who is unchangeable: “they (the things of creation) will perish, but you will remain.” And He even tells us why (Hebrews 12:27): things are being shaken, “in order that the things that can not be shaken may remain.”
Keeping all that in mind might help keep you sane in the changes going on around you!
“Father, thank you for your promise to make all things new. Help us be patient as it’s still a work in progress. In the name of Jesus, Amen.”