Life Transitions | Prov. 3:5-6, Matt. 7:24-29, Heb. 10:23-25, Gen. 19 | TJ Torgerson
Change is a constant in life, whether it comes in the form of major cultural shifts or personal upheavals. As we navigate these transitions, how do we ensure that we emerge on the other side not only intact but perhaps even positively transformed?
I've experienced my share of change over the years. In 22 years of marriage, my family and I have lived in six different states and had numerous addresses. We've encountered births, deaths, new jobs, new friends, and new challenges. Time marches on, whether we're ready or not.
Change is inevitable. Whether it's driven by our choices or thrust upon us by circumstances, it is a part of life that most of us find uncomfortable or unsettling. Yet, amidst this uncertainty, there are anchor points we can cling to.
Anchor Point 1: Hold on to What is True
When things around you change, hold onto what is true. Change can challenge our understanding of life and shake the foundations we once considered stable. This is especially true when change happens in our jobs, health, or family relationships. During these times, it’s essential to anchor ourselves in truth.
Proverbs 3:5-6 tells us:
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight."
When things that we once thought were stable, change it may cause confusion. Life feels a littel more uncertain, shaky or foggy. The good news is trusting in God provides stability. Jesus illustrated this in Matthew 7:24-29 with the parable of the wise and foolish builders. The wise man built his house on a rock, which withstood the storm, while the foolish man’s house, built on sand, fell apart. Most things in life are a form of sand. the only Rock is Christ.
What does it mean to trust God like proverbs says or to build our lives on Christ like matthew says? This is more than a mental check box. It is more than saying, "yes I trust God." Proverbs says trusting God means submitting to him. And Jesus said building our life on the rock means to put his words into practice (Matt 7:24). Trusting God is living our lives as though what God says is true. It requires action, such as forgiving when it's hard, being generous when it's tempting to be selfish, and trusting in God's goodness even when circumstances seem bleak. When everything else seems to be shifting around us we anchor to him.
Anchor Point 2: Hold on to Community
Change often brings feelings of loneliness and isolation, making it tempting to withdraw from others. But it's vital to remember that we're not alone, even if it feels that way.
When facing significant transitions, don't isolate yourself. Instead, take inventory of your support network. Reach out to those who have always been there for you. A simple text or call can remind you that you're not alone.
Community is essential. Just as Adam was not meant to be alone, and Jesus gathered a group of disciples, we are created for connection. Hebrews 10:23-25 encourages us to keep meeting together, spurring one another on towards love and good deeds. This support system is crucial whether you're dealing with personal upheaval or broader cultural shifts.
Anchor Point 3: Hold on to What is Good
Change often if not always means a loss of some kind, and it can be all too easy to focus on what’s been lost rather than the good that remains or the good that is ahead. This focus on loss can lead to bitterness and negativity, obscuring the good that still exists.
Consider the story of Lot’s wife. She was more concerend with what was lost than what was ahead and it made her a little salty (Gen 19). It's natural to grieve losses, but it's important not to fixate or gettswept away in negativity. This can cause us to miss what God might be up to.
Philippians 4:8:
"Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things."
End Thoughts
As we face change, it's crucial to hold on to what is true, rely on our community, and focus on what is good. By anchoring ourselves in these principles can help us to simply hold on when our lives are flipped turned upside down.
Lamentations 3:22-24
"Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, 'The Lord is my portion; therefore I will hope in him.'"
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