If you’re going through anything new, I can definitely relate to you right now.
First of all, we’re making good changes. We’re enjoying the adventure of our move, and getting to know new faces and places.
But new means change, and change doesn’t come without challenges.
Today I got hit with a wave of homesickness that hadn’t reared its head before now. Fortunately, a few things held me steady to get me through it.
Today, I’m sharing these verses to help with whatever you’re going through that’s new and challenging. Hopefully they are good things. But if not, or if you find them to be harder than you thought, take comfort in the fact that God is always working for our good, and he is definitely in the new things with you.
Here are some verses, and some thoughts on all things “new”.
“Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, ‘The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him.” – Lamentations 3:22-24 NIV
I get caught up in all the transition, all the new, all the unfamiliar, but God doesn’t. He keeps us from getting consumed, and his compassion for us is new every single day.
“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” – James 1:17 NIV
He doesn’t change like people or circumstances do. We are fickle, we change our minds, we can be swayed by our emotions, we can forget or just choose not to follow through. In spite of circumstances that can change at the drop of a hat, God doesn’t change.
“‘Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.’” Isaiah 43:18-19 NIV
So how much does it comfort you that God is in the new things? His goals aren’t new (1 Timothy 2:3-4), but he is always working towards that goal in ways we can’t always anticipate. Even if the situation doesn’t seem for the best, he’s working for our best (Romans 8:28), like how he’s making a “way in the wilderness”.
“Your word, Lord, is eternal; it stands firm in the heavens. Your faithfulness continues through all generations; you established the earth, and it endures. Your laws endure to this day, for all things serve you.” – Psalm 119:89-91 NIV
Change can be many things – exciting, disheartening, unfamiliar, joyful, overwhelming. However, there are some things that don’t change, like God’s word and his faithfulness. You can always hold on to the things that don’t change, even as everything else does.
“He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear the Lord and put their trust in him. Blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, who does not look to the proud, to those who turn aside to false gods. Many, Lord my God, are the wonders you have done, the things you planned for us. None can compare with you; were I to speak and tell of your deeds, they would be too many to declare.” – Psalm 40:3-5 NIV
Although this scripture springs to mind because it literally uses the word “new”, the context also absolutely fits. It reminds me of how God brings joy and praise in any situation we can imagine. This scripture also references all of God’s amazing wonders he has already done for us, and the ones he has in store.
“He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.’ He who was seated on the throne said, ‘I am making everything new!’ Then he said, ‘Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.’” – Revelation 21:4-5 NIV
The first part is for the hard part of the change. It may be small or great, but change is challenging. We have a future without pain to look forward to. And second, God is making all things new. There’s something we love about things that are fresh and new – the anticipation and joy of a new relationship, adventure, job, or even just a new “thing” you buy or receive. God is taking the old, worn-out parts of us and this world, and making it all new.
“Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, ’This is the way; walk in it,’” – Isaiah 30:21 NIV
Even good new things require being a little out of control and unfamiliar. God, however, is always with us through his Spirit, guiding us where we need to be, for our good and for his purpose.
“‘But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.’” – John 14:26-27 NIV
Along the same vein as the last scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us and reminds us in the ups and downs. Also, Jesus leaves us with abundant peace. In this verse, he’s talking to his disciples, who are going into the unknown and will eventually face the unimaginable. He gives them peace and guidance, two great gifts in the middle of change, and he gives us the same.
“Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night. That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither – whatever they do prospers.” – Psalm 1:1-3 NIV
Such solid advice, no matter what you’re going through – to stay stead with the Lord. It gives me hope that I can still thrive even in the dry seasons. This isn’t to promote some kind of prosperity doctrine, though. I really believe that instead, it means we’ll find constant joy and peace when we keep going back to the source.
“Sing joyfully to the Lord, you righteous; it is fitting for the upright to praise him. Praise the Lord with the harp; make music to him on the ten-stringed lyre. Sing to him a new song; play skillfully, and shout for joy. For the word of the Lord is right and true; he is faithful in all he does. The Lord loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of his unfailing love.” – Psalm 33:1-5 NIV
As God’s plan evolves, so should we. We can find new ways to praise him, and new things to praise him for, even as we go through our ever-changing circumstances. And then finally, there’s a reminder of who he is, like his steadfast love, faithfulness, righteousness, and justice.
So, now you.
Which verses, quotes, prayers, or other inspiration help you get through change?
Photo 1 by Juliana Malta on Unsplash
Photo 2 by Erol Ahmed on Unsplash
Scriptures via Bible Gateway. Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Whew, I needed that today! And thank you for pointing us to more obscure verses (like in Lamentations!). My prayer in all the ups and downs of selling our house has been that God is in charge and may I remember that, a phrase I repeat to my kids often too!