When things were changing a little too fast for my dad, he would sing, “Life is filled with swift transition.” He often said the first phrase of a Scripture or sing the first line of a song to get it started in his mind – and ours – and then let the words speak for themselves. (https://hymnary.org/hymn/TTvirt/530) Life is filled with too many swift transitions. Changes are constantly happening all around us, so Dad’s little ditty comes to mind often.

Rarely in my life does the fear of change interfere with my sleep, but the onslaught of changes has begun to nudge me from restful sleep. So, I got up during the quiet of the early hours of the morning recently to talk to God about it.

I heard this question: “Who are you trusting?”

Several years ago, a friend gave me a framework for diagnosing problems when change is rocky or unsustained. The Change Puzzle Activity was developed Dr. Peter Senge to reflect the essentials of organizational change. But the components listed are also essential for change in individuals. Organizations and groups don’t change unless the individuals in those organizations and groups change. Trust is the very first component of this puzzle. Without trust, changes may occur, but they are weak and wobbly and often unsustainable.

He asked me a second question: “When changes come through others’ ideas and plans (good, bad, or ugly), who are you really trusting – the one who is leading the change or Me, the One Who you say is leading your life?

I found 22 verses in the Bible explaining what kind of trust He wants, why He deserves it, and what my life can be like when I trust Him. Here’s a just few:

The kind of trust He wants:

• Psalm 3:5 – Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not rely on your own understanding.
• 2 Corinthians 5:7 – For we live by trust, not by what we see.
• 1 Timothy 1:4a-5 – . . . doing God’s work, which requires trust . . . promote love from a clean heart, from a good conscience and from sincere trust.

Why He deserves my trust:

• 2 Thessalonians 3:3a – But the Lord is worthy of trust
• 1John 3:23 – This is His command: That we are to trust in the person and power of His Son Jesus Christ and to keep loving one other, just as He commanded us.
• Revelation 2:19 – (He said,) “I know what you are doing, your love, trust, service and perseverance”

What my life can be like when I trust Him:

• Psalm 3:6 – In all your ways acknowledge Him; then He will level your paths.
• Ephesians 6:16 – Always carry the shield of trust, with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one
• 1 Thessalonians 1:3 – . . . your trust produces action, your love hard work, and your hope perseverance
• Titus 3:8b – . . . those who have put their trust in God may apply themselves to doing good deeds. These are both good in themselves and valuable to the community.

There’s no need to fret when I trust the One Who is worthy of my trust, the One Who has commanded me to trust Him, and the One Who sees all and knows all.

Heavenly Father, Trusting You is the biggest part of making changes in my life. Trusting You helps me not to fret or to fight. Help me remember that even though life is filled with swift transitions, You never change. As I trust You and obey You, You will watch over me, You will make my paths straighter, You teach me what I need to learn. I will act because I rely on You to show me what is good for me and valuable for those around me. Thank You for Your unchanging hand. Help me hang on to it.