The Challenge of Changes

An ancient philosopher named Heraclitus observed that, “The only thing that is constant is change”. A quick glance in a mirror would likely confirm the truth of his statement. Everything changes all the time.

Therefore, it makes sense that one of the keys to a happy life is the ability to adapt to change. Those who are able to “roll with the punches” are much better off than those who rigidly try to hang on to a set of circumstances that no longer exist.

In the Old Testament, one of the most common accusations that God makes against his people is that they were a “stiff-necked people” (Nehemiah 9:16-17). In other words, they refused to turn their thoughts or vision to anything new. This “stiff-necked” nature caused them to miss many blessings simply because they would not turn and see them.

If we know that life is going to keep changing, then it is to our advantage to adapt to the circumstances. It would make no sense to insist on wearing your winter coat to the beach in the middle of the summer just because you want to wear your winter coat. If you are at the beach, you ought to dress for the beach. It is much easier for us to adapt to our circumstances that to make our circumstances fit us.

Whether things are as we would like them to be, or whether we find ourselves in a place that we do not like, we can always find something for which to be thankful. If we can learn to focus on the good and our blessings rather than on what we wish was different, then that will change our perspective on everything.

We cannot control all of the changes, but we can control our reaction to them.

“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:4-7).

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