Heraclitus, a Greek philosopher, is quoted as saying, “change is the only constant in life.” When we consider all the moving parts of our lives—like homes, jobs, physical appearance, numbers on the scale, the amount of money in our bank accounts, the ebb and flow of the stock market, relationships, personal interests, responsibilities and commitments, what’s popular or current in fashion, politics, education, the entertainment industry, and society as a whole—it’s no wonder Heraclitus came to such a conclusion. There seems to be no end to the changes we will see and experience over the course of our lives.
While there is truth to what Heraclitus once said, that change is the only constant in life, I would propose that he’s failed to recognize there is another constant in life: God.
Knowing God will never leave me makes all the difference in how I handle change. One of my favorite verses reassuring me of God’s unfailing love in the midst of my ever-changing circumstances is Isaiah 54:10 (NIV):
“‘Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed,’ says the Lord, who has compassion on you.”
You see, the only thing in life we have to depend on wholly and completely—the only thing that is truly unchanging—is God. Everything else in life is subject to change. For example, when a job or career ends and a new one begins, you may have to say goodbye to coworkers whom you loved spending time with, and the work you were accustomed to doing.
Experiencing the loss of something or someone you’ve grown attached to can be quite painful, even if you were prepared for that change. It can cause a great deal of grief, depending on what or who it is that you had to say goodbye to. For instance, having to say goodbye to someone you expected would always be a part of your life.
While it’s true that experiencing change in life is inevitable, and that it can at times feel quite unsettling and painful, we can find comfort in knowing that we serve a God who is unchanging (James 1:17)—who can be counted on to always be there for us to hold us steady and secure when waves of change threaten our peace, joy, sense of security in what is familiar and comfortable, self-confidence, and hope for the future.
Just like a pro surfer has learned to ride a set of waves with ease—and enjoy every thrilling moment of the ups and downs, sharp turns, and bumps along the way—I believe, we too, can learn to embrace the changes that come our way with increasing ease by discovering the potential blessings and joy found in them. By recognizing that each change God allows will ultimately work out for our good and His glory, we no longer have to fear the unpredictability and uncertainty of the ever-changing tide of our life’s circumstances—even as we take time to grieve our losses. Remember, God will always make a way for you. He has good plans for your future. He goes before you, so that you can set out into the unknown confidently, and begin to embrace each wave of change that comes your way.
Let us not lose sight of all the really good things change can bring us as well: abundant blessings, prosperity, new opportunities, new friendships, peace, joy, excitement, purpose, beauty, a fresh start, and a positive new outlook on life.
Interestingly enough, my word from the Lord for 2022 is “change.” My family and I have already experienced some significant changes just four months into this calendar year, and I anticipate there is still more ahead. While some of these change have been long desired and anticipated, others have been unexpected and caused a great deal of grief. In both scenarios, however, I’m learning to accept all the inevitable change with growing grace. I’m choosing to keep moving forward with my eyes fixed on Jesus, doing whatever it is that He calls me to do.
As my daughter, Janie, once wrote with such wisdom . . .
“Life is like the ocean and we are the surfers. Sometimes, the waves of life will tumble over us, but we have to keep on surfing, keep on moving.”
What I’ve taken away from this beautiful picture she so eloquently painted with her words, is that we can’t let change paralyze us into inaction, or cause us to shrink up into a ball of self-pity and cry. (Although, it’s okay if that happens from time to time while you grieve your losses, and mentally process all the changes that have taken place in your life.) As hard as it is to do, we have to keep on moving forward, learning to ride the waves of change that come our way—all while staying humble and in complete submission to God—knowing His plans, His ways, and His timing are always perfect.
Dear Heavenly Father, I pray for those who are struggling to stand firm in faith amidst the crashing waves of change. I pray You would renew their hope and their strength for the life You’ve gifted them with. Bless them with abundant joy in Your Presence. Provide opportunities for them to increase. Help them to see new life beginning to sprout up from dry ground that will soon bear spiritual fruit. I pray they would not stop looking to You for encouragement and courage, and remembering how faithful, good, and loving You have always been to them. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.
