Leaning on the Lord in Times of Transition
By Jonah S.
Uncertainty, excitement, maybe even grief–these are all emotions that can come with big changes in life. For some of us, we may be about to face college; others may be starting online school for the first time. Whatever your case may be, transition can be a very difficult thing, and new seasons can feel daunting. As I reflect on this, Ecclesiastes 3:1 comes to mind: “For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven” (Bible Gateway). No matter what we are facing, no matter the difficulties, there is a season for everything. We can be confident that God is making everything beautiful in its time, even if we cannot see it.
But all this is easier said than done. Trusting in God in the midst of transition and trials is really difficult. We are finite–how can we fully grasp the entirety of God’s plans for our lives, let alone his creation? We cannot, but we do not have to. It is easy to get caught up in our own understanding. However, when we lean on the Lord and trust in Him, we are actually submitting to God. Proverbs 3:6 says, “In all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight” (Bible Gateway). In all the uncertainty, God will make our paths straight, but we have let go of our preconceived notions of the situations we are in.
I remember a particular time my family went through a very hard transition. We were in a state of limbo for almost a year, and it was really difficult to know what was going to happen next. My family wanted to return to the place that we considered home, but those doors were not opening, and they never would. It was really difficult. I could not understand why God was taking us from our home and putting us elsewhere. However, this change, while extremely difficult, bore much fruit in my life and the life of my family. In that season, we could not have imagined the future God had in store for us.
Trust – it all comes down to trust. We cannot trust someone who we do not know. So seek God! Wrestle with Him; ask Him questions. James 4:8 says, “Come near to God and He will come near to you” (Bible Gateway). He deeply desires you to let Him in. From this, a peace can come in the storms of life that makes no sense. Let me be clear: do not hear me saying that you should feel ashamed when you feel anxiety. That is the opposite of what God wants and can push us farther away from Him. On the contrary, I want to encourage you to draw near Him when times are hard. God desires for you to run to Him in times of trouble and uncertainty. He is the only one who will never leave you or forsake you (Bible Gateway).
If you are struggling with a difficult transition or a rocky season of life, do not hesitate to reach out to others. I know for me, it can be hard to ask for help, even when I desperately need it. I can feel as if I am inconveniencing others by doing so. This is a lie! Whether it is a parent or guardian, a trusted adult, a friend, or a teacher here at NorthStar, there are people God has placed in your life who want nothing more than to help you. I hope this can be an encouragement to you on the road ahead.
Columns: ✝️Spiritual Life, 🔎Informational
Jonah S. has been at NorthStar Academy for the past four years, this being his fifth and final year. He currently lives in the Middle East with his parents and younger brother. Some of the things he enjoys include reading, writing, watching movies, and playing video games. He also enjoys music, viola being his primary instrument, with piano being his secondary.