When Everything Suddenly Changes

Have you ever listened to your favorite song and then the music suddenly stops?  You  try to troubleshoot the problem but nothing works.  You may have been listening to the best part of the song and just like that…total silence.

Some transitions in our lives happen this way.  One moment you’re enjoying a delicious dinner with your family when the phone rings with terrible news of a loved one’s death.  One moment you’re playing with your littles on the floor when the sheriff posts an eviction notice on your door.  One minute you’re experiencing a healthy pregnancy and suddenly you’re informed that your baby has a rare medical condition.  Your life could have been like the best part of your favorite song and suddenly everything changes.

These changes may appear sudden to us but they are not sudden to God.  In fact, Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 tells us that God has appointed a time for everything.  Literally every event that occurs in our lives is no surprise to God.  He knows the end from the beginning.  He knows when a transition will begin, how long it will last and what you will need to endure it.

We moms love to plan ahead and be prepare for what’s coming.  Around this time of year, in the U.S., we often get excited to plan fun Fall activities, cook savory meals, dole out seasonal treats and spend the holidays with family and friends.  We admire the beauty of autumn: the gorgeous foliage, the crisp air, the falling leaves, picking ripe apples and pumpkins.  But we don’t usually enjoy the changes of life especially sudden changes because we don’t have time to prepare for them.

When everything suddenly changes it leaves you feeling confused followed by a wide range of emotions.   You feel completely unprepared for what’s next.  Let’s not forget that parenting Littles with big emotions adds it’s own flavor to the mix.  There’s good news though!  God has declared the end from the beginning and His counsel will stand.  (Isaiah 46:10).  He will provide all your spiritual and physical needs during these transitions. (Phillipians 4:19)  He will keep his promises too.  You will not go through these hard times alone.

The key to responding well to the seemingly sudden transitions in our lives is not to think of them as sudden at all.  Try not to focus on the way the transition came about and try to center your thoughts on the One who will carry you through it.  That’s easier said than done so here’s are 5 tips that have helped me during sudden transitions.  I pray that they help you too!

1. Be still.  This is especially hard when you have Littles or a house full of kids.  It is doable though.  Make the most of bathrooms breaks and nap times.  Use AirPods or noise cancelling headphones and play serene music as you supervise the kids playing.  Grab a hold of quiet moments in the car, on a nature walk or just before the kids wake in the morning.

2. Pray often.  All too often we moms find ourselves wrapped up in the business of the day before we pray an intentional prayer.  Pray often and when the need arises.  Pray for peace, grace, strength, understanding and patience.  Pray for guidance and wisdom to navigate the transitional period.

3. Reject negative thoughts.  After a sudden change it’s easy to think negative thoughts and dwell on them.  Pray Isaiah 26:3 over your mind and ask the Holy Spirit to help you reject negative thoughts and meditate on what’s true, good and life giving.

4. Sing a new song.  Praise is a powerful weapon against the devil.  Sing a new song of praise to God for his goodness and faithfulness.  At your lowest points play a new praise song and think of all the reasons God is deserving of your praise.

5. Start a prayer journal.  Write your thoughts and prayers in a notebook or type them on your tablet.  If you need help in this area, buy a prayer journal.  Date your journal entries and when your prayer is answered go back and update your journal. Keep track of God’s faithfulness during sudden changes because you will need to recall it in the future.  It will help you through the next sudden transition.