In seasons of change and transition, whether that be adding a new baby to the family, moving across the country, a job change, or even just coming off of the holidays, life can feel out of control. While I don't mind change - the necessary, needed and healthy changes that either happen on their own, or we implement for our good and the good of those around us - I will be honest with you...I do not like transition.
Transition is hard.
Transition can be painful.
Transition makes me feel like I'm losing my mind, my footing, my sense of equilibrium, my safety and security.
Transition feels like being tossed around in a raging sea like a lifeless rag doll.
Why is that?
Because once change happens, it is the season of transition, and the psychological impact that accompanies it, that brings uncertainty, unpredictability and internal instability. And, as difficult as it may be to believe, change is not the bad guy, and change should not be avoided on a account that the process of transitioning from one stage of life to the next takes us through some pretty rough waters for a period of time.
There are a couple of things we can count on as we wrestle the waves of transition: 1. It will not last forever and 2. Jesus is that anchor that will keep us from going under.
We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure.
Hebrews 6:19
This hope that we cling to is not wishful thinking, it is not a pie in the sky idea that weak people believe in because they just can't muster the inner fortitude to handle all of life's challenges. Rather, this hope is rooted in the absolute assurance that God has made a promise, and that promise is trustworthy and true because God can not lie.
Just as an anchor sinks deep in the the bottom of the sea, holding a ship steady and secure, so the anchor that we hold onto reaches high into God's very presence, keeping us firmly in his grasp - steady...secure.
Our hope is that we can be anchored in God himself.
Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.
Hebrews 4:16
Life will never give us a guarantee of smooth sailing. Life will forever keep us on our toes as we navigate the changes and transitions all around us. And while we can't control the next thing that is going to happen in our lives, we can live with the precious assurance that the very throne of God can be accessed with confidence. We can hold tight to the anchor that will bring us security, peace and steady our weary hearts and souls. And we know, with certainty, that in the midst of the storm, the raging seas of transition and uncertainty, we will receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.
If you feel unsteady today, reach out to the anchor. He will steady you.