Working in childcare, I have learned that one of the big challenges for a lot of kids is transitions–those times when we are moving from one activity to another or from one location to another. If children do not have a routine or if you deviate from the established routine, it can create a lot of stress and anxiety. During these transitions, some children will suddenly remember that their parents are not around and begin crying for them. Some will notice all the things that they are not supposed to touch and seize the moment to do so. Some will become extremely upset and refuse to move. Others will ask a thousand questions trying to figure out what is going on.
As it turns out, transitions can also be difficult for adults. It’s something I’ve noticed as I come nearer and nearer to my last day at the preschool before moving on to whatever is next in my life. Since it still isn’t clear exactly what that is, it has been quite the stressful experience. And for the most part, I haven’t responded any better than a child would.
Instead of waiting calmly for God to lead me step by step, my tendency is to look around at the great myriad of options all around and to chase them one by one–for a few days or hours–until the light they held fades, and I turn and run after the next fleeting whim and then another and another until I collapse in a mental heap, exhausted and accompanied by a sense of profound emptiness.
There is something really nice about being settled into a rhythm of life–knowing generally where I will be each day, what I will be doing, whom I will be doing it with, why I am doing it, etc. With that kind of understanding, it is easy to settle in and love life.
But when that familiarity vanishes, it is incredibly disorienting. It feels exactly like being lost. Where am I going? What am I supposed to do? How is it going to work? Or am I just going to die???
But, actually, I am not lost. There is one unchanging factor in my life that I should be able to anchor myself into: Christ.
Yesterday, I read Psalm 16. It is such a refreshing psalm. Reading it was like stopping and taking a very deep, nourishing breath.
Verse 2 says, “I say to the LORD, ‘You are my Lord; I have no good apart from you,’” (Ps.16:2).
I love this verse so much. There is one source of true good in my life, and it is God. None of those things I think I want has the power to do me good. Real good comes from the hand of my God to me. (And maybe that is why all the options I pursue without Him fade and feel utterly empty.)
Verses 5-6 reminded me of my true status.
“The LORD is my chosen portion and my cup; you hold my lot. The lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance.”
I might not have my own house or lands on earth, but look what I do have! Look who my portion is! It does not get better than that. ❤
Verses 8-9 reminded me of the security found in the LORD:
“I have set the LORD always before me; because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken. Therefore, my heart is glad, and my whole being rejoices; my flesh also dwells secure.”
The work that I have found so fulfilling may be coming to an end. The home I have always known may not feel like home any more. The future may be veiled in mysteries. But these things were never meant to be my chief joy and security. The LORD is my salvation, and if I keep Him before me, I will not be shaken. There is profound joy and peace that comes in anchoring ourselves in Him.
“You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore,” (Ps. 16:11).
***
Good Shepherd, who knows how best to lead Your people, forgive us for doubting You. Forgive us for looking to circumstances as our hope instead of to You. Forgive us for imagining that we might know better than You how to proceed and work out the details of the path You’ve laid ahead. We do not know the future, but You do. Please give us the heart to keep on believing the truth–that Your lovingkindness is better than life. Please help us to keep You always before us so that we do not falter in following. Please show us the way to walk today. Thank you for the great gift of Your presence, far dearer than any earthly wealth or happiness. Teach us to treasure You above all. Amen.
Gratefully His 