This time of year always has us thinking about 2 things, thankfulness and change. Most love thankfulness, but hate change. No? Just me? Ah well…
But really, most people don’t like change, it is uncomfortable, usually it comes out of no where right when we have everything together and turn it all upside down.
If there is one thing that this time of year teaches us, it is that change can be beautiful, colorful, and full of fun.
But it can also be uncomfortable, uncertain, and full of fear
It doesn’t have to be this way though! Let’s talk about 3 ways to embrace change (give it a little hug if you will), the change that hits each of us at some point.
Thankfulness
First, start with a heart of thankful contentment.
Paul say, “I have learned to be content in all things.”
when we are content where we are in each moment, we will learn to be content in change as well.
How do we do this?
With thankfulness!
Having a thankful heart is to have a heart that is constantly looking for things to be thankful for. As you see all of the things that you already have, you look less and less to the things that you don’t have. This creates contentment in your heart.
And when you remember the Giver of those gifts, you realize that He provides for all of your needs and then some.
So as we then head into change, we can look for the things that God is giving us, be thankful for those and see Him working.
I like to read the book One Thousand Gifts every November. If you have not read this one, I highly recommend it! She has the most beautiful writing style and shares all about the hard thankful. It is beautiful and will change the way you see the world, God, and giving thanks.
God is….
Second, we need to remember who God is.
I know that this may seem silly. We know who God is,but I firmly believe that we all need to preach to ourselves sometimes. Especially in those times when everything seems so out of control. We need to remember that we never had as much control as we thought we did.
But GOD!
He on the other hand has everything’s under control. He is mighty and just, loving and faithful. And nothing comes to us without first filtering through His hands. To some this might seem like He doesn’t care much. He allows job loss, cancer and paralysis. Would a truly loving God do this?
I would encourage you to read some of Joni Earikson Tada books, as she is one who is really an expert on this!
God is soverign and He is working out His plan and He is working it for our good. Just like we do with our own children. There are some battles that we choose not to fight for them, because we know that it is better for them to work through them on their own. That they will grow through those adversities.
We also know this because as Christians, we have seen it in our own lives and in the lives of those around us.
Fall gives way to winter, but then comes Spring. Full of beauty and growth.
We can see it in the way hardships bring growth, how hard situations bring salvation, and how all of this hard finishes with Heaven.
So remind yourself of these things on those hard days. Tell yourself who God is. Memorize the Scriptures so that the Spirit can remind you when you need it the most.
Planning Baby!
Don’t just let the change toss you around like a fallen leaf in the wind.
Don’t allow victimhood take hold. It is unproductive and not honoring to God.
Instead, ground yourself in Christ, look for things to be thankful for and then sit down and make a plan.
Your plan may start out with your thoughts and feelings. That is ok. Don’t ignore those, but at the same time, don’t wallow in them either.
Write down some of the good things about the situation. This may be difficult at first, but as you practice thankfulness and look to God, it will start to become clearer.
What does this change allow you the freedom to do that you didn’t have before? How can you use this for God’s glory?
Then start working on a plan.
What are your next steps? What do you need to do to achieve those next steps? What are your timelines for this?
As you journal and plan you will be able to see things from many different perspectives which will help you to accept and gain a little control over the situation.
When you get to the other side you will be able to see God’s hand through it all, and maybe even be able to say, Change is Beautiful!
First Steps
This whole process will be a lot easier if you have a few things already in your toolbox.
Foster the habit of thankfulness now! There is no better time than right this second to get into the habit of seeing good in all things, with the little trials of each day. Then you will already have the mindset when the big thigns hit.
I created a set of Scriptures for you based on the book One Thousand Gifts. You can grab that by signing up for my email list.
Sign up below to get your FREE Change is Beautiful: Create a Heart of Thankfulness Scripture Writing and Reading Plan. Plus, there is two pages of printable stickers!
When you sign up, I will also send you the reading plan as well as an email every Monday for 4 weeks to help and encourage you on this journey.
Will you join me in creating a life of Thankfulness?
Also, we need to have some Scriptures on hand that tell you who God is. Memorize a few of them, mark them in your Bible, and keep a list of them where you know right where they are. Review them often. This life and our relationship with God grows as we grow in the knowledge of who He is.
“The world appears very little to a soul that contemplates the greatness of God.” The Practice of the Presence by Br. Lawrence
Here are a few to get you started….
Exodus 34:5-6
Jeremiah 29:11
Blessings,
Amy
Love Scripture Writing?
In the Facebook Group we do Scripture Writing a bit differently. We take the time to write out entire books of the Bible over a couple of months. This is a really great way to dig into your Bible with great context and understanding. It has really changed things for some of the ladies in the group. You can find the FREE printable for the month on the FREEBIES page. And you can join the group here. I would love to see your journaling and Scripture Writing! See you there!
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