How do you feel about change? Most of us view change as a great idea, but when faced with the finality of moving on to another season of life it can be annoying if not terrifying. Presidential elections are loaded with slogans and chants about change. Businesses that fail to change are often bankrupt and forgotten. People that choose not to change are often unsettled, a little askew, or worse… depressed when they feel like they don’t “fit” into the new season.
The author of Ecclesiastes (found in the Old Testament) sat back after a life of accomplishment, riches, power, authority, and successful living and found that there is nothing in the world that can stop change. He wrote about the seasons of change and wrestled with the entire point of life. He uncovered that contentment didn’t come from the season of life, but it comes from embracing the fundamental goal in life… to obey God and keep His commands. Peace has nothing to do with “when you get to a certain point in life”, rather, it is strictly related to your relationship with God. Read this very well written excerpt from “The Message” bible:
11 The words of the wise prod us to live well.
They’re like nails hammered home, holding life together.
They are given by God, the one Shepherd.
12-13 But regarding anything beyond this, dear friend, go easy. There’s no end to the publishing of books, and constant study wears you out so you’re no good for anything else. The last and final word is this:
Fear God.
Do what he tells you.
14 And that’s it. Eventually God will bring everything that we do out into the open and judge it according to its hidden intent, whether it’s good or evil.
Ecclesiastes 12:11-14
When you ignore the reality of the season you are in and continue to chase “the way things once were”, you probably have that feeling that you just can’t find what you are looking for. What you are searching for is peace, contentment, and stability that only comes from one place… The Creator’s outstretched arms. It doesn’t matter how attractive things used to be… they are gone. You cannot rely on the past to be your future. Life continues to move beyond your grasp… the best you can do is be content where you are. Embrace the change as it is appointed for your season of life… and just Love God deeply. All of the other stuff is noise and empty pursuit.
In 1987, a song broke onto the scene in the midst of parachute pants, wild hair styles, neon colors, and pop music. The band, U2, threw a song into the mix of american culture and loudly proclaimed ” I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For”. Read an excerpt of the singer’s thoughts:
I have spoke with the tongue of angels
I have held the hand of a devil
It was warm in the night
I was cold as a stoneBut I still haven’t found what I’m looking for
But I still haven’t found what I’m looking forI believe in the Kingdom Come
Then all the colors will bleed into one
Bleed into one
But yes I’m still runningYou broke the bonds
And you loosed the chains
Carried the cross
Of my shame
Oh my shame
You know I believe itBut I still haven’t found what I’m looking for
- Bono / U2
Have you been there? Knowing that Christ did it all for you, but still searching for something you already know you have? The author of Ecclesiastes wrestled with the same notion that something exists that is bigger than our need to be comfortable. Nothing stays the same, change is inevitable and no matter how hard you try to make things like they once were… it will never be that way again. I say again that you probably like the idea of change, but find the process somewhat grueling , uncomfortable, and often challenging.
Being a man of God requires you to put Him first in your life. Doing this will order and prepare you for the seasons to come. Regardless of the curve balls, the twists, the turns… if you honor God and obey His commands, the rest will take care of itself.
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