As I was walking in my neighbourhood the other day, I realized that my family had been part of this community for almost 80 years. In just a few short weeks my husband and I would be moving our family across the country, from our home of 27 years. The home we raised our children in. The home where we buried our son. The home where our daughter was married. Our home full of memories, full of love, full of laughter and tears over so many years. Our home where we enjoyed birthdays, Christmases, summer bbq’s, winter fishing, and time with family and friends.
As humans, we sometimes avoid change. We like to be comfortable. To be surrounded by the familiar. Change can be scary, with the fear of the unknown. But sometimes change is good, and can be exciting and full of anticipation of new experiences and adventures.
The definition of change is, “the act or instance of making or becoming different.” As a verb it also means, “ to make (someone or something) different; to alter or modify.” It can also mean, “to replace with something else, especially something of the same kind that is newer or better; to substitute one thing for another.” In nature things are always changing; they are either growing or dying. Water is a good example that change is good, because if it stops moving it becomes stagnant, loses its freshness, and starts to rot. Even we as humans are constantly changing and renewing each cell in our bodies as we live, grow, and change. Otherwise, we die. Nothing ever really stays the same.
Except God. God never changes. He is the one true constant in the universe. There is so much comfort in knowing that God is with me, and if I call on Him, He is there. In everything I am going through and everywhere that I go. God is faithful.
Psalm 139 is one of my favourite bible chapters, as it holds so many truths, but today it reminds me that God is always with me, He knows me, and He is with me wherever I go.
“Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast.” (Psalm 139: 7-10)
So I will embrace the change. Be eager in the excitement of new adventures. Like a stream of water I’m going to go with the flow and see where the current takes me. There may be rapids ahead, but God will be with me. There may be idle pools of reflection, but God will be with me there, too. I will remember the past with fondness, but embrace the future with hope. I don’t want to stagnate and die, but instead grow and flourish in the new place I’ve been planted. To make new friends, try new things, explore new places, and live beyond the scope of today with hope for the future.
God is faithful to be with me. Wherever I go. He is a comfort, He is a guide, He wraps me in the comfort and peace of the Holy Spirit, and gives me peace that comes from a supernatural source outside of myself. Peace in the change. Peace in the unknown. Peace in my future, wherever I go. Peace to you, friend.
