Response to Change

 

As I walked today, the light was spectacular at every turn. The clouds and the blue of the sky were constantly changing in a dramatic display. At times it was so beautiful I had to stop in my tracks and take a picture. I am constantly amazed at the beauty of creation.

I couldn’t help but wonder why, as I watched the evening sky, why we human creatures resist change with such steadfastness? Is God not in change as well as the enduring things of life? Does God not work through all things? Do we really trust God if we cannot trust God in the midst of change?

We find these words in the Book of Daniel,

“Praise be to the name of God for ever and ever;

wisdom and power are his.

He changes times and seasons;

he deposes kings and raises up others.

He gives wisdom to the wise

and knowledge to the discerning.

This wise one who understood even the dreams of others seems to believe that God is not only in change, but that God is often behind change; that God works through change. While our individual theological frameworks may either embrace or push back against how much in life is the result of God’s direct action, it is clear that to walk with God involves walking with God in trust as we navigate change.

None would deny that we live in a time of rapid change. But what if, instead of fear or resistance, our first response to change was to look for where God may be at work? What if we trusted even when we are unable to see God? It may not stop the change from coming, but such a response might deepen our faith. Who knows? As our faith deepens, we might see God in all things more clearly than ever before.

Peace.