Five Ways To Stay Grounded Through Change
2021. It’s a new year, filled with lots of hope and expectations for better days and more human interaction.
At the end of 2020, everyone had big goals and hearts full of hope — hope in the new year, in the flip of a page of the calendar. And within just one week, our country faced an unspeakable trial, knocking down the hope in the better days that were supposed to refresh us in the new year. As Christians, we are called to put our hope in Christ, not in any year or even any person.
Through the past couple of weeks, I have personally faced a very difficult season, filled with uncertainty, pain, and confusion. I was graduating college and moving back home. Everything around me felt like it was changing. I wanted something to cling to. I constantly looked beside me, to material things, to friends, and to other people to fill my need for stability. I missed the greatest gift: the beauty in the steadfastness of our God.
After a simple reminder from a friend, I quickly realized that these struggles are temporary. Yes, our pain seems unbearable in the moments of hardship, but these moments are merely specks in the eyes of eternity.
Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians that:
“ This light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal” -2 Corinthians 4:17-18, ESV
Friends, do you realize that when Paul wrote this, he was under the condemnation of individuals within the churches in the town of Corinth? Paul’s authority was being questioned, and he was being persecuted and under scrutiny for his faith and teaching. Paul was facing unbearable circumstances, yet he still chose to fix his eyes on Jesus.
Have you ever felt like you were crazy for believing something you felt called to do or share? Have you ever experienced peace that didn’t make sense? That’s Jesus. That’s my God. And He can be your God, too. He’s the same God who comforted and spoke to Paul, and He’s the same God who is bringing us comfort, joy, peace, and hope today, despite our circumstances.
Here are five ways to stay grounded when everything around you is changing:
“He who dwells in the shelter of the most High will abide in the shadow of the almighty. I will say to the Lord, ‘My refuge and my fortress, my God in whom I trust’” - Psalm 91:1-2 ESV
#1. Abide in the Lord.
Set a reminder on your phone to pray before you start your day. You can even start by simply saying “Good morning, God!” Talk to God just like you talk to your best friends. He’s always listening. It seems when I talk to God, I feel the most secure.
“Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever you had formed the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God” - Psalm 90:2 ESV.
#2 Trust that God is who He says He is.
God is alive. God is comforting, loving, forgiving, and working, even when you don’t see or feel it. Write out a list of five things you know that are true about who God is on notecards and set a goal of memorizing these attributes of God.
“Look among the nations and see; wonder and be astounded. For I am doing a work in your days that you would not believe if told” - Habakkuk 1:5 ESV
#3 Start a gratitude journal.
Don’t be overwhelmed, though. Just each night, before going to sleep, write down one thing you are grateful for. Doing this simple practice can help you to see the good all around you, even despite the changes or hardship.
“He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also, He has put eternity into man’s heart… I perceived there is nothing better for them than to be joyful and to do good” - Ecclesiastes 3:11-12 ESV
#4 Do a random act of kindness to surprise someone today.
Kindness could be paying for someone’s order behind you in the drive-through line. Kindness could be donating the clothing you don’t wear to a local clothing bank or homeless shelter. Kindness could be sending an encouraging text to a friend you haven’t talked to in a few weeks. Kindness could look like a hug. Kindness is as simple as an act of love.
“Commit your work to the Lord and your plans will be established. The Lord has made everything for its purpose, even the wicked for the day of trouble” - Proverbs 16:3-4, ESV
#5 Go outside.
Look around and praise God for His creation. Thank Him for the gifts He has given you. Set a goal of reading the same number of verses of God’s Word, the Holy Bible, as the number of years old you are. Some good books to start reading are Psalms, Proverbs, or James.
Through the change, through the new year, Jesus is our hope. We cling to Him, for He is our rock and our hope.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Emma Lown is writer, content creator, and marketing coordinator. She enjoys traveling, running, reading, and spending time with friends and family. Often nicknamed “Smiley,” Emma radiates her faith, joy, and excitement about life. She loves new adventures, listening to others’ stories and learning. She has been published in Christianity Today, Conscious Magazine, The Focus, and Lancaster Bible College’s The Echo.