Ecclesiastes 3:1-4 says, “To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck what is planted; a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; a time to weep and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance…”
And it goes on. Change is not a matter of if in life but of when. There are wonderful times of joy and celebration at milestones like graduations, weddings, or the birth of a child. There are also trials and heartbreaks during seasons of loss, conflict, and stress. Or, you may find yourself somewhere in between, in a time of waiting where you feel like you are wandering, looking for direction, or seeking purpose.
As we enter new seasons and exit past ones, how do we, as believers, navigate change?
Good Seasons
When things are going well, we often become distracted. When good changes come, we get busy. You get a promotion at your job, so you work hard to keep succeeding. You get married and begin the new adventure of building a life together. Your first child is born, and you get caught up in the joys of baby smells, cuddles, and first milestones. Life is good, and God has blessed you.
How do you stay dependent on and desperate for the Lord when life is good?
- Keep Jesus first.
Unfortunately, our hearts are sneaky things. We get so caught up in the good things God has given us that we forget to prioritize time for Jesus. During new joyous seasons, we must remember to keep Jesus first. You can do this by being disciplined to spend time reading the Bible and praying each morning. Telling God, “I need You,” keeps your heart posture humble and open to receiving what God wants to teach you in this good season.
2. Praise and glorify Him.
Throughout Scripture, we are commanded to glorify the Lord. The Psalms consistently offer examples of praise no matter the circumstances.
Psalm 34:1-2 says, “I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul shall continually be in my mouth. My soul shall make its boast in the Lord; the humble shall hear of it and be glad.”
When we remember to keep God at the forefront of our lives during good times, our praise impacts more than we think. It affects our speech, thoughts, and actions and keeps us dependent. When people comment on the good things happening in our lives, it’s an opportunity to give glory to God for His goodness. Consistent praise honors God and keeps our hearts humble and respectful.
3. Remember what He’s done.
Throughout the Old Testament, the Israelites were constantly directed to commemorate when they saw God provide blessings. They often set up altars and stones from significant places that reminded them of what God had done for them. These markers reminded the people of God’s power, presence, and protection.
Reminding ourselves of God’s goodness helps us navigate each change we experience. When you are in a good season, don’t forget to prepare for the next life stage. Live joyfully in the moment and do not fear the next season, but also stop to thank God and record reminders of what He is doing in your life.
Waiting Seasons
Sometimes, we encounter seasons where we don’t know what to do, don’t know where God is leading yet, and must wait for His direction. You might feel stuck in this waiting season. Sometimes, it feels frustrating, like you are wandering around without a purpose.
How do you navigate change when you have no direction?
- Draw near to God.
A waiting season is often a preparation season. You might be waiting for God to draw near to you, but He might be waiting for you to draw into Him. Be patient while waiting for His answer, but don’t stop seeking Him. If you feel like God is distant or silent, ask Him to show you where He is amid your waiting. He will be faithful to answer you.
2. Dig deep.
Use this waiting time to dig deep into your relationship with the Lord. Pray and study His word. No matter the busyness of our lives, we can always spend time with God. Waiting seasons often have fewer distractions and provide a unique opportunity to focus on Him.
3. Prepare.
Waiting seasons are opportunities to be equipped. God uses the wilderness to strengthen us and build something within us that He will use for what He calls us to in the future. Serving Him faithfully and preparing your heart to hear from Him will allow you to be ready to receive the direction and purpose He has for you.
Hebrews 11:6 reminds us, “But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.”
Don't stop seeking the Lord when you are in a waiting season. While you may desire direction, clarity, and purpose, remember that nothing is more significant than knowing Him. Jesus is always better.
Hard Seasons
Hard seasons are inevitable. Each of us will encounter suffering, trials, and grief in this life. How do we navigate life changes and difficult seasons?
- Walk with eternity in perspective.
Being resilient means being able to withstand and recover from difficulty, which is much easier said than done. There is a misconception in the church that once we become Christians, we will be safe from hardship. However, John 16:33 tells us that we will face trials and tribulations.
“These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”—John 16:33
The Bible tells us of these things so that we might find peace in Jesus through it all. Because of Jesus, we can confidently believe that pain and hurt are not the end. When you walk through painful changes in life, it is imperative to keep your eyes on Jesus and walk with eternity in perspective.
2. Rely on God’s armor to keep you safe and standing.
In Ephesians 6:13, Paul encourages us to “Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.”
You and I can stand because Jesus is with us. His armor, consisting of His character, His truth, and His salvation, surrounds us and makes it possible to navigate these seasons with our heads held high.
3. Trust in Christ’s eternal victory.
The key to all of this is trust. We can be joyful amid heartache because we trust Jesus’ sovereignty, power, and eternal victory over sin.
Proverbs 3:5-6 says, “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.”
We can hold our heads high in difficult seasons because God is trustworthy. He will walk with us through every season and direct our steps if we are faithful to follow Him.
Takeaway
While change is not always pleasant, it can always be used for our ultimate good in the hands of the One who loves us. God is using each new season and phase to change you if you let Him. Keep Him first through the good, the waiting, or the hardships. Dig into His Word, study His character, and depend on Him to lead you through.
Do you want to go deeper in your study of God’s Word and His character? Find resources here!