EP 47: Dealing with Change
Sooner or later, we will all face change of one sort or another. Dealing with change is an inevitable part of life. The question is, how will we respond when it come our way?
The 6 tips for dealing with change that I’m sharing on the podcast today have helped me navigate all sorts of difficult trials, unexpected hardships, and life-altering surprises I’ve encountered in the past.
And I’m confident these strategies will serve you well in the midst of what kinds of change you are currently facing, too.
Show Notes
VERSES CITED:
- Philippians 3:13-14 – “…forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead…”
- James 1:2-3 – “My brethren, consider it all joy when you encounter various trials….”
- Romans 12:2– “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed….”
- Psalms 103:2 – “Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits.”
- Philippians 1:6 – “…He who began a good work in you will be faithful to complete it….”
- 1 Corinthians 1:8 – “He will also keep you firm to the end, so that you will be blameless….”
- Romans 8:28 – “And we know that God causes all things to work together for good ….”
- Hebrews 10:23-25 – “Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering…”
- Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 – “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for….”
- James 1:5 – “But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God….”
- Isaiah 40:31– “But those who wait on the LORD Shall renew their strength….”
- Philippians 4:19 – “…God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory…”
- Psalm 121:1-2 – “I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help….”
- Proverbs 17:17 – “A friend is always loyal, and a brother is born to help in time of need.”
- Galatians 6:2 – “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.”
- 2 Timothy 1:17 – “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and love and ….”
- 2 Corinthians 10:5 – “…and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.”
- Psalm 23:4 – “Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for…”
- Philippians 4:6-7 – “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication…”
- Psalm 126:5-6 – “Those who sow in tears shall reap with joyful shouting.”
- Psalm 30:5 – “…weeping may last through the night, but a shout of joy comes in the morning.”
- Philippians 4:8 – ““Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is…”
- Proverbs 3:5-6 – “Let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly…”
- 1 Corinthians 10:31 – “Whether, then, you eat or drink …do all to the glory of God.”
- Proverbs 30:8-9 – “Give me neither poverty nor riches…”
- 1 Peter 3:8 – “Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another…”
- James 5:15-16 – “…the prayer offered in faith will restore the one who is sick, and…”
- Ephesians 2:10 – “… to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”
RELATED LINKS:
- Taking Every Thought Captive – free printable verses to help you discipline your mind
- What Men Intend for Evil – a poem a wrote during a particularly grievous trial several years ago
STAY CONNECTED:
- Subscribe: Flanders Family Freebies -(weekly themed link lists of free resources)
- Instagram: follow @flanders_family for more great content
- Family Blog: Flanders Family Home Life (parenting tips, homeschool help, free printables)
- Marriage Blog: Loving Life at Home (encouragement in your roles as wife, mother, believer)
Circumstances change: We change schools, switch jobs, or move from one town to another.
Responsibilities change: We get married, have a baby, land a promotion, or undertake some other longterm project.
Our health status changes. One day we feel fit as a fiddle, the next we sustain a serious injury or receive a devastating diagnosis.
Connections change: Friendships fade, loved ones pass away, children grow up and leave home.
Some changes knock us completely off our feet. Some changes run us through the paces we’ve practiced before. But almost every change presents some sort of challenge.
So I offer you 6 tried and true tips to help you thrive, even when your world feels like it’s turning upside down. These guidelines will help you keep your bearings straight when dealing with change of any sort, but especially when faced with unwelcome changes.
As is so often the case in posts I pen, the initial letters for each tip form an acrostic for the word C-H-A-N-G-E (because that’s just the way my brain works 😊).
6 Failsafe Tips for Dealing with Change
C = Count your blessings
The Bible tells us to “Consider it joy” even when we face hardship, knowing that those hardships ultimately serve to develop in us the fruit of the spirit and conform us to the image of Christ. (James 1:2-3; Romans 12:2) So no matter what kind of life change you’re presently facing, look for the silver lining and celebrate all the many, many things you still have to be thankful for.
“Bless the LORD, O my soul, And forget not all His benefits.” – Psalms 103:2
H = Hold fast to your faith
Never forget that God has a plan and a purpose for every change He brings your way, and He has promised to see you through. ( Philippians 1:6;1 Corinthians 1:8) Take every opportunity to affirm His goodness and sovereignty, knowing that He “causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.” (Romans 8:28)
“Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful.” – Hebrews 10:23
A = Ask for assistance
If the season of change you are in carries with it extra burdens or responsibilities, by all means request help! Start by asking God for wisdom, strength, and perseverance, since He has promised to supply all your needs according to His riches in Christ Jesus. (James 1:5; Isaiah 40:31; Philippians 4:19) But you should be willing to ask family members, neighbors, or friends for help as needed, as well. (Proverbs 17:17; Galatians 6:2)
“I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help comes from the LORD, Who made heaven and earth.” – Psalm 121:1-2
N = Nix negative thoughts
Do not allow yourself to get sucked into the downward spiral of depression, negativity, or fear. (2 Timothy 1:17) Banish worry and anxiety. (Philippians 4:6-7) Grieving over a devastating loss may last for a time, but a shout of joy comes in the morning.(Psalm 126:5-6) Resist the urge to throw yourself a pity party.
“Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, let your mind dwell on these things.” – Philippians 4:8
G = Glorify God
Trust in the Lord, and in all your ways — through good times and bad — acknowledge Him. (Proverbs 3:5-6) “Let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly,” and let it be especially evident in the way you respond to hardships. (Colossians 3:16)
“Whether, then, you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” – 1 Corinthians 10:31
E = Encourage others
Allow the past hardships you’ve endured to help you sympathize with others who suffer. (1 Peter 3:8-9) Pray for those around you who are in difficult seasons and speak words of encouragement to them. (James 5:15-16)
“… let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near.” – Hebrews 10:24-25
So that’s what I do whenever my world starts to shift underfoot:
- Count my blessings
- Hold fast to my faith
- Ask for assistance
- Nix negative thoughts
- Glorify God and
- Encourage others
C-H-A-N-G-E. I hope you’ll give this tack a try next time you’re facing a season of change, as well.
Thank you, I really needed this encouragement today.
You’re welcome, Terri. I’m praying God will make whatever change you’re facing go as smoothly as it possibly can and will grant you unflappable peace in the midst of it!