Experiencing Transition? Don't Panic.

According to the Western calendar, autumn begins this Saturday.  Autumn, one of the four seasons, serves as a transition time between summer and winter.  Already in Alaska, the temperatures are dropping ever so slightly.  Wardrobes change, lawn mowers roar less often, and rakes stand at the ready. 

During the fall season, Alaskans check to see that the condition of their studs (on their tires, that is) is suitable to carve the ice through the winter.  They also remove their garden hoses from the outdoor spigots knowing no watering will be necessary until May.

So, autumn marks transition.

Are you in a time of transition right now?  What is changing (or threatening to change) in your life? 

For some, transition means a move away from home to a college dorm.  For others, transition looks like selling a long-comfortable house before snow flies in order to relocate to a new neighborhood.  Others are presently experiencing less exciting transitions.  As the current year draws to a close, they know that 2019 will be the first year without a loved one who passed away.  Others enter into autumn still in the shock they experienced when the physician shared the unwelcome and unexpected news.

Transitions.  Some are thrilling; others are frightening.  No matter the adjective that best suits your situation, you can take comfort in the promise of God as recounted by the prophet Isaiah.

Don’t panic. I’m with you.
    There’s no need to fear for I’m your God.
I’ll give you strength. I’ll help you.
    I’ll hold you steady, keep a firm grip on you.
Isaiah 41:10 (The Message)

Look carefully at those first five words - "Don't panic.  I'm with you."  Notice the charge and the rationale.

Charge:  Don't panic.
Rationale:  I'm with you.

Knowing that God is with you fuels your ability to keep it together.  Your sanity directly relates to your knowledge of His presence. 

Take a few minutes (or moments) now to experience God's presence.  How?
1. Read from the Bible.
2. Listen to a favorite song of faith.
3. Write yourself a reminder of a time you felt His presence.

Don't panic.  God is with you.

#ordinarylives