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Abiding with God in times of change

Jane Walters reminds us that God is our refuge even when the winds of change seem like a hurricane all around us.

I had part of a phrase going around my head the other day. I couldn’t remember all the words, which I knew came from a hymn, and I was surprised at the Google result. It’s from Abide with Me and reads thus: Change and decay in all around I see, O Thou who changest not, abide with me.

I suspect that few of us feel truly comfortable about change (and especially when that word ‘decay’ is added into the mix). There’s something cosy to our hearts and souls about the familiar; yet to stay within that comfort zone is to miss opportunity for growth and the exercise of our faith.

Global climate change has massively impacted our summer this year. Whilst I have relished waking up day after day to warmth and sunshine – surely the prerequisites for the season? – there’s no denying its negative impacts. My potentially beautiful, newly planted garden has suffered hugely. As I write this, I am away from home, and I have had moments of real anxiety over what I will see on my return. Far more serious was the outbreak of fire in my former village last month, devastating homes and lives in ways that won’t easily be recovered from.

On a more personal and much smaller scale, I have recently made the decision to lay down two projects that I have been involved with for several years. Both have brought me real pleasure but it’s time to move on, to let someone else have the opportunities that I have benefitted from. The time and space they occupied will soon be filled with the new but, for now, there is emptiness and a feeling of loss.

Change is unavoidable. Sometimes it’s thrust upon us, coming out of the blue; other times, we provoke and invite it, knowing that something better will result. Whatever the context, the way we respond is key. A recent podcast reminded me of how easily we turn to the wrong things in our attempts to stay secure and at peace. It made me think of the story of the Three Little Pigs. When the big, bad wolf began to huff and puff, the houses of sticks and straw were no match for his threats of blowing them down. The brick house, however, stood firm and all the little piggies were safe.

The old hymn asks God to abide with us but let’s not forget that: God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.  Therefore, we will not fear though the earth gives way… (Psalm 46:1). Hiding in Him while the winds of change swirl around us is the best thing we can do.

The above image is courtesy of pixabay.com.


Jane Walters 175Jane Walters, formerly Clamp, is the author of Too Soon, a mother’s journey through miscarriage (SPCK) and a regular contributor to Premier Radio and UCB. She is also vice-chair of the Association of Christian Writers. Jane leads creative writing retreats and is a popular speaker locally and further afield. Visit: janewyattwalters.com
 

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