by Jerry Senn
There’s an old song that says, “Swiftly we’re turning life’s daily pages, swiftly the hours are turning to years.” John Henry Newman once wrote: “To live is to change, and to have lived well is to have changed often.”
Solomon reminds us, “For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven” (Eccl 3:1).
My dad used to say, “If I had known I was going to live this long, I would have taken better care of myself.” He lived 91 years and his life is like our own, every season brings dramatic changes. We need to stop at times to face the inevitable hills, valleys, twists and turns that have brought us to where we are today.
Being aware of changes can be a very good thing. First, it keeps us from getting complacent about our blessings. Second, it keeps us adjusting and adapting and thinking, and our faith is tested. Third, change stretches us, helping us grow in our love for God and others. Fourth, It keeps us from being bored and stale — from swamp to river. Fifth, facing life’s changes help us enjoy life, to be happy with memories and expectations for the future.
Here are ten things you need not worry about in the coming years.
1. The Bible will still have the answers to all important questions.
2. Prayer will still work.
3. The Holy Spirit will still work within our hearts.
4. God will provide faithful brothers and sisters to encourage and inspire us.
5. Singing His praises will still please Him and bless us.
6. There will always be room at the cross for us.
7. Jesus will still love us and intercede before the Father as our advocate.
8. Heaven is waiting for those who love and live for Him.
9. God’s word will not return void, but will accomplish His purposes.
10. Our Father will continue to be our Shepherd and friend.
“Change and decay in all around I see …
Oh Thou who changest not, abide with me.”