By: Donna Bucher
With the chilly days of Autumn sauntering in this past
weekend, subtle changes appeared among the wildlife, flowers, and trees in my
yard. Autumn delights me every year as my cherished among the seasons with its
vibrant changes; but not all of life’s changes bring me equal pleasure. In
fact, change often invites uneasiness; yet, embracing change without the
anxiety seems implausible at best, or is it?
Change Often Brings Anxiety
As human beings, we naturally gravitate toward routines, making us
creatures of habit. Hard-wired for this purpose, our brains seek protection in
predictability.
Preferring the status quo over change, many people view change in
general, as negative.
Alternatively, many people argue for the positivity of change. Even for
those acknowledging the benefit of change, a measure of trepidation prevents
them from fully embracing change without the anxiety.
“To every thing there is
a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:”
Change Has Benefits
Understanding some root causes for change driven anxiety provides insight
into more personal reasons of resistance. From this starting point, a shift
towards embracing change without the anxiety occurs when you view the benefits
of change.
As the seasons transition one into another, year after year, change, a
natural part of life visits each one of us, often without warning.
Despite the uneasiness invoked by impending change, viewing the positive
advantages of change alters negative mindsets and opens possibilities for
personal growth.
Gracefully Embracing Change
By first creating a mental shift in how you view change, you create a
hard stop for thought induced anxiety. Bringing racing thoughts to a stop,
plants you in the present moment rather than a fear-based future.
Uncertainty fuels reactivity because it feels uncomfortable and the
natural tendency toward removing the uncertainty drives your thoughts.
Gracefully embracing change helps you slow down, change perspective and
better understand your needs in the situation. Incorporate a time for quietly
sitting before the Lord on successive days; have your Bible and a journal
nearby.
Avoid dumping your concerns, fears and worries in God’s lap
for a quick fix. Simply sit quietly allowing Him to calm your anxious heart and
thoughts. Pray through a favorite verse like Isaiah 26:3-4 or Psalm94:19.
“When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy.”
End your time by journaling through any emotions or persistent negative
thoughts. Close by writing a brief prayer of surrender to the change and trust
in God’s good purpose through the change.
The loveliness of autumn reminds me of the impermanence of life;
wildlife, plants, trees undergo constant change. For a moment, melancholy
eclipses autumn’s vibrancy, as I bid farewell to summer’s beauties in my
garden.
Their parting soliloquy whispers, “linger in gratitude for the
present moment’s delights, for change bids us come away.”
Savoring all God permits in our lives with thanksgiving in the present
moment, prepares us for the release of change without regret. The beauty of
embracing change rests not in resenting what will be lost, but in the full
surrender of accepting God’s good and perfect purpose in change.
Reflection:
In what ways does change bring anxiety for you?
What one step can you take today to gracefully embrace change?
Find more encouragement and FREE Resources at Serenity
in Suffering!
If you enjoyed this post, please share on social media with
the buttons below!
Photo from Canva.com
Brand New FREE Downloadable
Devotional "Hope For Hard Times" Get Yours
TODAY at Serenity in Suffering!
No comments:
Post a Comment
Thank you for stopping by, we love hearing from you. Please feel free to contact us with any prayer requests or questions by commenting below or emailing us at the About Us page.