The Times Are A-Changin’ (Again)

Last weekend, my wife and I watched a movie about the life of Bob Dylan called, A Complete Unknown. While quite enjoyable, one of the songs stuck with me for several days afterward, and for a very good reason. Here are the lyrics to the first verse of The Times They Are A-Changin’:

Come gather ’round people wherever you roam
And admit that the waters around you have grown
And accept it that soon you’ll be drenched to the bone
If your time to you is worth savin’
And you better start swimmin’ or you’ll sink like a stone
For the times they are a-changin’

There is a ton of ‘change’ happening in my life at the present moment, much more than I want to burden you with here. However, it is highly likely that you are experiencing similar occurrences in your own life as well. Afterall, change is something that all of us typically experience throughout the ebbs and flows of our lives. However, I’ve discovered the secret to adapting to change is all about how we perceive it and the action that follows.

Change is actually good as it can push you out of your comfort zone and you get to find out who you really are. You learn more about yourself, what you’re made of, and what you can and cannot handle. And more importantly, you learn that it is essential to embrace change in order to move forward. I’m reminded of the refrain from a song performed by the Brady Bunch long ago (yes, I’m that old):

When it’s time to change, then it’s time to change
Don’t fight the tide, come along for the ride, don’t ya see?
When it’s time to change, you’ve got to rearrange
Who you are into what you’re gonna be

Anytime change occurs in our lives, we need to rearrange our current way of thinking and focus on how good the change can be for us. And one of the best ways to do this is to take it to prayer. We need to be able to turn to God during these times of change and trust in his plan for us. This is really hard to do, and I struggle with this continually and it is something that I am always working on in my life. I’m reminded of this verse from the Prophet Isaiah:

Do not fear: I am with you; do not be anxious: I am your God. I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my victorious right hand. ~Isaiah 41:10

Change is going to happen whether we want it or not, and it often comes knocking when we least expect it. But if we are able to put our trust in the Lord and accept the fact that we are not alone in our struggles, we will experience a sense of peace that has the power to soothe the mind, calm the heart, and refresh the soul.

For I am the LORD, your God, who grasp your right hand; It is I who say to you, Do not fear, I will help you. ~Isaiah 41:13

Change can be good – really. Read more here.