Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.
— Hebrews 13:8 (NIV)
We recently transitioned from full time work in the town where we raised our children to retirement in a new city where we knew few people. All my daily routines shifted and there were many disorienting changes like new bank and utility accounts with hard-to-remember passwords.
We did not easily find a spiritual home, rhythm to our days, or place of service. My usual joy was clouded by disorientation. God seemed far away.
I studied in Psalm 51 about how God creates and renews. God draws me close and preserves me by the Holy Spirit. God restores my joy and sustains me with a life-giving spirit. Then, I am ready to teach and reach out to others who may be lost and disoriented by sin, traumatic events, or major transitions.
We are doing better now. While out walking in our new neighborhood, we came across a small church we had never noticed before. We found good fellowship there. Eventually, we developed new daily routines and found time for hobbies we were too busy to pursue when younger. We focused on helping with our young grandchildren and joined the church choir.
Because of God’s unchanging nature, I can pass through times of change with peace and joy. Because God creates and renews I can find meaning in a time of transition.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
God is with me in times of transition.
Prayer: Dear God, thank you for your consistent love for us. Thank you for smoothing our pathway when we sin, face times of trouble, or experience major life transitions. Amen.
Prayer focus: Refugees and those in transition.
Susan Olmstead Wang 