Tuesday, January 27, 2015

Change



The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer; My God, my strength, in whom I will trust; My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. Psalm 18:2 (NKJV)

Everything in creation is in a state of flux. Nothing is static—everything in the known universe is in motion and changing. Obviously, some people embrace change while others prefer life to be more predictable. Some change is inevitable, such as growing old. Most children desperately want to grow up, but at some point in time the aging process makes us wish that we could somehow put our bodies into reverse and regain the strength, vitality and waistline of our youth.

I have a sister-in-law who loves change—at least when it comes to her hair. This is probably an over-statement, but it seems as if there is never a month that goes by without some change to her hair. Her hair is continually changing in length, in style and in color. (At this point—do I even know what her real hair color is? Probably not!) I am also having my own hair issues as my hair becomes increasingly gray and even worse—is thinning out. A little something that “they” call male-patterned baldness. A change I could live without!

It could almost go without mention that some changes are welcomed and others not so much. Generally speaking, most people are happy when they lose weight and not so happy when they gain weight. Happy when we graduate from high school or when we finally get that college degree. Not so happy when we get laid off from a job or even worse, get fired. Happy when the weather is beautiful. Not so happy when the air conditioning in the car stops working, and it’s the second week in August, in Texas, and the temperature is 105 degrees. Happy when that healthy baby is born, not so happy when they are screaming at 3:00 in the morning.

The question is this: “How does one emotionally survive all the challenges of change?” Let me suggest that there is a place that is more solid than shifting sand. A place of refuge where the love is constant. A relationship where one is always received with open arms. It is a rock of consistency in the midst of instability and insecurity. King David declared, “The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer!” The great hymn of the church, “The Solid Rock,” declares, “On Christ the solid rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand, all other ground is sinking sand.” Amen!