As we turn the page on the past year and enter into the new year, with all its promise and hope, uncertainties and unknowns, we can expect to experience change. The world around us is experiencing a time of great change unlike any before it in many spheres—technological, economic, religious, political, business, and environmental. The results are seen across multiple intersections, including governments, organizations, companies, and in the lives of families and individuals.
Although the start of a new year can be a time when we pause to reflect and take stock of the ways in which change has occurred in the past year, in reality, change is constantly affecting all spheres of society. Life does not remain static, nor does the world around us, and one thing we can be assured of as we contemplate the year ahead of us is change, including in our personal lives and circumstances.
In the Bible, we read of the guarantee of change as we journey through the seasons of our life: “To everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven.” This passage goes on to enumerate some of the many changes people will face in life, including times of war and times of peace, times of building and times of tearing down, times of mourning and times of rejoicing. The author somewhat unexpectedly goes on to say that God “has made everything beautiful in its time” (Ecclesiastes 3:1-2, 11).
As Christians, how do we approach the inevitable change that we may face in the year to come and even find the “beautiful” in it? Change may come our way in the form of new opportunities in Christian ministry or serving others, receiving a better job offer, starting up a new foundation or business, studying something new, or engaging in new relationships with others. Other changes may be challenging, such as the loss of employment, a loved one, or a relationship, unforeseen economic challenges, or the need to move and start over.
Many people, from religious leaders to productivity gurus to life coaches to political leaders, propose that the best approach to change is to focus on the potential benefits of change, and they emphasize the importance of flexibility, adaptability, and resilience. Focusing on the benefits of change, even when these are not always immediately apparent, certainly resonates with the Bible’s promise, “We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, for those who are called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28 LEB).
Much of the benefit we can derive from the changes that come into our lives depends on how we approach them and whether or not we choose to adapt to them—and even embrace them. Our attitude is a key factor, and can make the difference between successfully weathering life’s disruptions despite the difficulties these may bring, or succumbing to discouragement or despair.
Trusting in God’s unfailing love and knowing that His presence is always with us is key to navigating the changes we will face throughout our lives. Having the faith to trust that even the tough things can result in good things can be a challenge. But I’ve found that when I accept that challenge, I’m well on my way to feeling more comfortable and at peace with whatever unexpected change comes my way.
Sometimes the good that God intends to bring into our lives only comes when we pass through stormy times. So if you’re feeling the waves crashing about you, trust Him and have faith that He is with you and will never leave you alone or forsake you (Hebrews 13:5). As your heavenly Father, He desires only the very best for you, His beloved child. You were bought with a price—the highest price imaginable, the death of God’s own Son—and now you are His temple, and His Holy Spirit dwells within you (1 Corinthians 6:19–20).
No matter what changes or challenges we may face, God’s Word and our relationship with the Lord are constants in our lives as Christians. Everything else can change in our lives—our circumstances, our health, our relationships, our homes, our jobs, our countries of residence, our ministries—but His Word never changes; it never fails to guide us and is an enduring presence in our lives. God’s Word is our spiritual ballast, our anchor, our moral and spiritual compass, our joy, peace, and hope, and our comfort. His Word is core to who we are as Christians, our beliefs and our values, and sustains us through every change and challenge that we will ever face throughout life.
Jesus once told a short parable to His disciples, just two verses long, with a powerful message. He said, “The kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls, who, on finding one pearl of great value, went and sold all that he had and bought it” (Matthew 13:45–46). Your relationship with the Lord is a priceless treasure—a pearl of the greatest price, of immense and eternal value. You are uniquely created and loved by Him, and He has a plan and a purpose for your life (Jeremiah 29:11).
The Lord is your Good Shepherd who will always be with you, and He wants to accompany you in your personal walk of faith (John 10:11). So even if some things in life are unclear to you or just don’t make sense, you can trust that the Lord will continue to shepherd and guide you to green pastures and the cool waters of His Word that will refresh your soul and strengthen you (Psalm 23:1–3).
The Bible teaches us that faith comes—and grows—by hearing the Word of God (Romans 10:17), and the entrance of His Word gives light and understanding (Psalm 119:130). These principles are timeless, so a good resolution to make for this new year is to continue to strengthen and ground your faith in God through reading and studying His Word and receiving His inspiration, instruction, and guidance for your life and walk with Him.
As we commit the change and challenges we will face in the coming year to His safekeeping, we can trust that He will be with us to navigate whatever will come our way and to weather any storms on the horizon. We can remind ourselves of His “precious and very great promises” (2 Peter 1:4) to us in His Word. He watches over us every moment of every day. He knows our every thought and desire, and He always answers our prayers in the way that He knows is best and will accomplish His will in our lives.
Every year can be a year of growth in our relationship with God, in loving and caring for others, and in sharing the Good News so that others may come to know Him and experience His love.
All praise and honor and glory to the One who, in His unfathomable greatness, rules the universe in wisdom and righteousness, and yet in His marvelous love cares for each of us personally. The God of our salvation “daily loads us with benefits” and His abundant blessings (Psalm 68:19 NKJV)! And in turn, we should be motivated to share God’s love and truth with others so they can also partake of His riches in glory.
Let’s make a New Year’s resolution to trust Him in every season of life, to keep loving Him and others with all our heart, soul and strength, and to keep praising Him for His excellent works and lovingkindness!