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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