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Change is constant, at least for humans. It can be hard, good, bad, frightening, stressful, beautiful, and exciting. But change is always about going into something unknown, so for many people there can be aspects of fear that accompany change, even if the change is something that is good.
We all have experienced change in our lives. From the time we were born to the time we die, we change, our relationships change, our understanding and perspectives shift. In the last three years we have dealt with not only regular changes (change of job, living place, friends, opinions, relationships, etc.), but also changes in our communities as people have grappled with how to address health concerns. We have gone through a change in the country’s leadership, and we have experienced natural disasters. Every day seems to bring another level of change accompanied by chaos and sorrow—a disruption to our everyday schedule that leaves us reeling.
For many this time of change is accompanied by fear. We can't know the future, and the changes we see shake us. How do we then deal with either low or high levels of fear that accompany change?
Firstly, we must realize with the teacher in Ecclesiastes that there is a season for everything and that God is in control of these seasons.
For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven. (Eccl. 3:1)
There are seasons of bounty and little, seasons of persecution and gospel freedom, seasons of growth and stagnation. While we may be blindsided by a change, God is in control of the seasons and is not surprised. He has a plan and a purpose even for the worst situations that only he can and will work for good for those who love him.
Secondly, God does not change.
God is not man, that he should lie, or a son of man, that he should change his mind. Has he said, and will he not do it? Or has he spoken, and will he not fulfill it? (Num. 23:19)
God is the rock, the steady one, the one whose holy and good character never changes, whose steadfast love is sealed for his people by the blood of Jesus Christ. He will never leave you or forsake you. His plan for you is for your good, even in tough circumstances. He knows his people before they even existed, and he loves them to himself and will keep them into eternity.
Thirdly, God gives peace to those whose mind is centered upon Jesus Christ.
“Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. (John 14:1-3)
During times of change, stay ever closer to your Lord in prayer. As the world seems to spin out of control, the media is filled with more bad news, and difficult personal changes keeping coming, Jesus is an ever-present help to you at this very moment. Commune with God in prayer, trusting his promises. By his Holy Spirit he assures you that you are loved, his promises are indeed for you, and you are safe in the midst of change. Let God’s perfect love cast out your fear.
Even though the seasons of change come and go, dear Christian, you can be firmly planted in the steadfast love of your heavenly Father. Know that he is a constant and ever-faithful protector to you now and always.
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Ayrian Yasar is associate editor of Beautiful Christian Life. This article is adapted from “‘Dealing with Fear in Times of Change” in BCL's August 2021 Newsletter: Change.
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