21 Grounding Verses That Can Help Us in Seasons of Change
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Life is full of changes – maybe more so today than ever before. And each one of them can feel exciting, unsettling or perhaps a combination of both, depending on whether we’ve expected them or been caught off guard. Either way, anytime we find life shifting – in large or small ways – we find ourselves being challenged to look at things with a new perspective and to make different choices.
I used to dread changes. Believe it or not, even positive ones would stir up feelings of anxiety and fear in my spirit because it meant giving up the familiar. But God has helped me see that changes are a natural part of life, and that He uses them to help me grow. In fact, He wants to walk through the process with me, and indeed with all believers, offering comfort and anointing that will help us move forward confidently into new adventures.
21 Verses to Encourage Our Hearts during Times of Change
One powerful way that I stay connected to God during seasons of change is by meditating on and memorizing His Word. Some verses remind me that I have a “firm place to stand” (Psalm 40:2) when things around me seem unsteady. Others reassure me that God is in control (Psalm 115:3), and that He works for my benefit (Philippians 2:13).
This is a list of verses that I’ve found impactful along my journey. They’ve taught me a lot about my Heavenly Father – His provision, purposes, and perspective. Just reading them calms my mind and gives me hope for what’s next, which takes some of the worry out of dealing with change.
1. Psalm 23:3-4
“He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.”
Our Good Shepherd will lead and protect us through every change.
“I will walk among you and be your God, and you will be my people.”
If we stay close beside our Abba Father, we’ll find consolation as we deal with change.
3. Psalm 48:14
“For this God is our God for ever and ever; he will be our guide even to the end.”
God is always close, revealing each of our steps as we navigate changes.
4. Malachi 3:6
“I the Lord do not change.”
Whatever else might be changing in our lives, God stays the same yesterday, today and forever.
“Know therefore that the Lord your God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commandments.”
Our Lord God is firm and enduring, a reassuring thought when other things are changing.
6. Isaiah 40:8
“The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God endures forever.”
We can trust in God’s promises, gaining strength to handle changes we face.
“’For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’”
God has a vision for each of us that is more lasting than any changes we are faced with in the moment.
8. Romans 8:28
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”
It’s comforting to remember that God can use even the changes we don’t want or like to bring us to better places.
9. Psalm 33:11
“But the plans of the Lord stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations.”
The Lord will not let any unexpected changes prevent what He wants to accomplish in our lives.
10. 2 Timothy 2:19
“…God’s solid foundation stands firm…”
God is the bedrock that we can hold onto when change shakes us.
11. Matthew 7:24-25
“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock.”
Scripture can train us up to face every change with courage and optimism.
12. Colossians 1:17
“He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.”
The truth that the Lord is in control will ease our minds during times of change.
13. Ecclesiastes 3:1
“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens…”
Change doesn’t ever surprise God – it’s part of His design.
14. Daniel 2:21
“He changes times and seasons; he deposes kings and raises up others….”
God brings change into all life, including us and everything around us.
15. Psalm 147:16-18
“He spreads the snow like wool and scatters the frost like ashes. He hurls down his hail like pebbles. Who can withstand his icy blast? He sends his word and melts them; he stirs up his breezes, and the waters flow.”
God knows when change is needed for us to grow, and might even bring it into our lives.
16. Philippians 4:13
“I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”
God will enable us to handle any change with His grace and peace.
17. 2 Timothy 1:7
“For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.”
If we ask, our Heavenly Father will enable us to stand up and face any change boldly.
“Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always.”
God delights to hear us ask for His wisdom for how to handle changes.
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!”
Sometimes, God uses change to help our faith become more mature.
20. Isaiah 43:18-19
“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.”
Changes that come up can be a way God reveals Himself and His will to us.
21. Philippians 1:6
“…being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”
God uses times of change in our lives to teach lessons and make us more like Him.
A Prayer for Dealing with Seasons of Change
Heavenly Father,
Scripture tells us that we need not be anxious about anything. I confess that I have often let change be a reason to feel nervous or fearful. Thank You that You want us to think of seasons of change as a blessing instead. You promise to walk with us, to protect us, and to help us grow in those times. So, please help me to reach for and lean on You, for I trust in Your good plan for me.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.
I’ve learned that with God, it’s possible to have a positive attitude about both planned and unexpected changes. We can all benefit from that perspective. Of course, it can be difficult when a change is pushed up on us as opposed to choosing it. But through God’s grace, we can actually experience refreshment and renewal from these seasons. We might even discover a new vision and purpose for our lives. But most importantly, we can rest in the knowledge that God’s strong and steady presence is always with us.
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