Life-Changing Events

Have you ever experienced a sudden life change? Finding out your parents are divorcing, a move to a new place, or the loss of a loved one can bring chaos to your mind. A loss or a sudden life change is shocking, and people have different ways of coping with these situations. Some people become angry, some people experience crushing despair—any number of emotions or responses are possible. Often, my response to these life-changing situations is to keep too busy. I think, “If my head is full of tasks, then I don’t have to dwell on the sadness or fear eating away at me.” But this doesn’t work. At nighttime, it falls apart: in the silence, the pushed-down thoughts race through my mind. As Christians, we can use these nighttime thoughts as an opportunity to make space to communicate with God: to grieve and share our troubles with Him, working through anger, sadness, or any other emotion—secure in Him and remembering truths from Scripture to combat the lies we may be believing, as well as asking Him to direct us to trusted people to talk with about what we’re feeling, if that is needed. When we bring our emotions to Jesus—who knows human suffering personally—He provides comfort, reminding us of all we have in Him (2 Corinthians 1:3-5; Hebrews 4:14-16). • Cindy Lee • Have you experienced or are you currently experiencing a sudden change? Write down these challenges and share your feelings about them with God in prayer. • Who are trusted Christians in your life you can reach out to during times of major change—such as counselors, pastors, parents, or friends? • If you need someone to talk to as you process a life-changing event, you can set up an appointment for a one-time complimentary phone consultation with a Christian counselor through the Focus on the Family Counseling Service. In the United States, call 1-855-771-HELP (4357) weekdays 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. (Mountain Time) to set up an appointment. In Canada, book your appointment by calling 1-800-661-9800 between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. (Pacific Time) and ask to speak with the care associate. May your unfailing love be my comfort, according to your promise to your servant. Psalm 119:76 (NIV)

Read Verses:

1 Chronicles 16:8-11; Psalm 119:76