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).

Comments

The Art of Noticing.... Seeing what we need to see and what we miss when we don't

What we focus on in life matters. Here are some scriptural reminders that will help us see correctly. https://youtu.be/Rn76tV0ZH8s

Consider This.... Which Way Are You Leaning?

When Ben Patterson agreed to join three friends climbing Mount Lyell, the highest point in Yosemite National Park, he did not realize what he was signing up for. Early in the day, it became clear that he was completely unprepared for the task. In an effort to keep up with his more experienced friends, Ben took a shortcut. It did not occur to him that there might be a reason the others had not selected this route, but he soon found out why. Ben became stuck on the glacier. He could not move up, down or sideways and one wrong move would send him sliding down a forty-five-degree slope to the valley floor miles below. That is when one of his friends came to the rescue. His buddy leaned over the edge and carved some footholds in the ice. He told Ben to step to the first foothold and immediately swing his other foot to the second, then his buddy would pull him to safety. Lastly, his friend gave him one more piece of advice....

Consider This: The Biggest Problem Is Not Out There!

In a time when everyone has a vocal opinion on everything and judgment is everywhere, maybe we need to reconsider the words of Jesus. “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye” (Matthew 7:3-5). Here are two observations to consider. First, when we look for what others are doing wrong, we are starting in the wrong place. “Take the log out of your eye” is the first move. Start with yourself! It is easy to judge others and make excuses for ourselves. Yet, that is completely backwards! If we are honest, we never get past making ourselves better. There is always more to do. This, then, leaves very little time to point out...

Consider this

Subscribe

Get new posts by email:

Search This Blog