We feel it in our bones and we know it in our hearts when the time comes that change is necessary. Sometimes we’re not exactly sure what change is needed, but we know something has to become different…or we’re going to lose it. Perhaps it’s our job that is making us restless and easily distracted, or maybe it’s our family life that makes us feel discontent and often upset. What are we lacking? What do we need? What exactly needs to change in order to make us happy?
Maybe buying something new would make us feel better. Doing something for yourself is important. Maybe finding a new job is the answer. Changing our diet… or going on one. Getting to bed earlier so we get more rest. We could try all these things, but would they really get us to the heart of the problem? If only the people around us would change…
We’ve heard it said many times: ‘The only person you can change is yourself.’ But even that’s not easy. How many times have you tried that and were successful? There are self-help books available everywhere: How to Lose 10 Pounds in 10 Days, What do I say After Saying Hello?, 365 Words to improve your Vocabulary, Dress for Success…the list goes on and on. How many of these have we read, but never actually applied their suggestions or seen any results?
First, we have to realize that change has to come from a desire to do better, to feel better about ourselves. It takes a change of heart and the requirements for that change can only be found in ONE book…The Holy Bible. Just reading the words will not accomplish change for us or anybody else, but applying them to our hearts and lives will…if we believe in the One who wrote them. People put the words on paper, but God Himself breathed them into truth that will set us free.
I’ve heard it said that the Bible is the only book where the author is always present when we’re reading it. What great a realization that is! And how true! As I search the pages of my Bible to find verses to back up truths I feel He wants me to share in my posts, I can feel Him guiding my search. Often a verse comes to mind, but I’m unsure where to find it. I’ll open the book, and there it is.
At times, as I write, words and phrases hit the paper and I think: How did I come up with that? I don’t talk like that…but He does…and I’m reassured that what I’m writing is what He wants someone to hear and those with ears for Him will know it’s meant for them. What a joy it is to share His Word and be blessed in the process by feeling His presence at the same time.
If you are looking for true change, and do not yet know the Lord Jesus personally; have not accepted Him as your Savior, I hope you will soon. A change of mind will lead to a change of heart. 2 Corinthians 5: 17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
They say, ‘time changes everything,’ which is true, so we can just sit and wait for these changes…and our outlook of gloom and unrest will remain the same… or we can ask God to reveal the changes He wants for us. As we make a conscience effort to apply His teachings, His Holy Spirit will guide each decision and change will happen.
2 Corinthians 3: 17 Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. 18 But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.
Our Savior’s invitation is always open: Matthew 11: 28 Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.