Change. Autumn is often associated with change, and while some of us love this season, for others, it begins to bring in feelings of trepidation and even anxiety. The world quiets, the weather worsens, nature around us goes into hibernation, and the sun decides to hide its face more often.
We don’t often react to change with open arms. In fact, change can become a challenge not only to our mental health but also to our spiritual health. Did you know some Scriptures can help you weather the seasons of change?
Yes! Let’s take a look at some, so we have encouragement for the upcoming months!
1. Hebrews 13:8 ESV
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.
A Scripture that instantly reminds us of the promise of God’s consistency. Nothing is better than to know that as change swirls around us, Jesus remains unchanged. His promises do not shift or sway.
2. Joshua 1:9 ESV
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
We’ve often read this verse, but meditate on its message. God is instructing us to not be afraid. It isn’t a suggestion but rather a command. Why? Because the Lord our God is with us wherever we go. The simplicity of it is what often makes faith complex. Be strong, be brave; He is here.
3. Ecclesiastes 3:1 ESV
For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven.
We don’t necessarily want to read this verse because it only emphasizes what we already don’t want: change. And yet, there is comfort in this because it indicates that everything is planned and coordinated by God. Nothing is a surprise or a curveball—only to us—and therefore, as we rest in Him, we can rest in the season we are in.
4. Philippians 4:6-7 ESV
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
This isn’t a promise of solution but of peace. This isn’t a promise of removal from the changing seasons of life but a promise that indescribable peace is available to you. Peace that surpasses all understanding—the type of peace that doesn’t make sense that you have as you weather swirling storms of change. This is a promise as we come before God with prayer, request, and thanksgiving.
5. 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 ESV
So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.
This Scripture is so full of meaning you’ll probably need to read it several times. However, it is a reminder that our hope and security are not found in the tangible. They are not found in our plans and our contingencies. Instead, we don’t need to lose heart even when we see things wasting away around us. As we draw near and close to Christ, we are becoming more alive and more renewed. The eternal is drawing ever closer.
6. Malachi 3:6 ESV
“For I the Lord do not change; therefore you, O children of Jacob, are not consumed.”
Sometimes, we still need that reminder, again, that the Lord is unchanging. He is unchanging because we could not survive if He shifted.
7. Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 ESV
For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted; a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing.
While some can view this section of Scripture as somewhat depressing, it’s worth noting that there is also an element of unspoken control in these words. Control is assigned to God as the author of our lives and the calendar holder of our circumstances. While we live in a broken world, knowing it isn’t spiraling out of God’s control is comforting. This Scripture reminds us of that and that the times that come are all well known in advance.
8. Romans 8:28 ESV
And we know that for those who love God, all things work together for good; for those who are called according to his purpose.
This verse is such a promise for those of us who are committed to loving God! In return, He is committed to taking all of the change and our shifting circumstances and turning them into good. Not to be mistaken for all things work together for good for all people, this Scripture specifically identifies a relationship of commitment between a God who loves us and, importantly, we who love God and are following His purpose for our lives. There are no mistakes, which means changing seasons are not in error. They, too, serve a purpose in our calling.
9. Daniel 2:20-21 ESV
Daniel answered and said: “Blessed be the name of God forever and ever, to whom belong wisdom and might. He changes times and seasons; he removes kings and sets up kings; he gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding;
To God belongs wisdom and might. And He changes times and seasons! Once again, we are reminded of God’s supremacy and sovereignty over all seasons. There is a might and a power resonating within these verses as it establishes God’s omnipotence over kings of the earth and His omniscience over the wisest among us. How peaceful can it be to fall back into the capable power of God as He intimately controls the circumstances and seasons of our lives?
10. Psalm 136:1-26 ESV
Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever. Give thanks to the God of gods, for his steadfast love endures forever. Give thanks to the Lord of Lords for his steadfast love endures forever; to him who alone does great wonders, for his steadfast love endures forever; to him who by understanding made the heavens, for his steadfast love endures forever.
Drink in the eternal impact of these words! “Endures forever”! What a commitment to us as His children. He is committed to us eternally. No ceasing to His love. No wavering to the steadfastness of it. Even though seasons of our lives change, there is no shifting to his love and the security we can find within it.
11. Deuteronomy 31:6 ESV
"Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you."
This verse encourages us to fearless living. The other great part about this Scripture is the inclusion of the word “dread.” Dread is such a common emotion as we face the unknowns of change. We can fear circumstances, but fear and then the infernal lingering of it becomes a horrible situation of dread. We are specifically encouraged not to dread. Because the Lord goes with us, He refuses to leave and will never abandon us. This type of surety can be difficult to hold on to because we are not accustomed to such an unbreakable level of faithfulness. Receive it! God has promised, and He always fulfills His promises.
As you take these Scriptures to heart, memorize them and their beauty. Be anxious for nothing. That means, literally, nothing. No changing season of life is worth your anxiety, and the rich promises that are woven throughout Scripture can keep you supplied with peace and joy.
The Lord is abounding in mercy, and one of the greatest ways He can speak peace into our ever-changing seasons of life is through the power of His Word. Write these verses on sticky notes, put them in your kitchen on the fridge, hang them in your vehicle, create wallpapers for your phones and devices, and hide them in your heart. As the seasons are ever-changing, God is not. His consistent love and faithfulness are a foundation on which you can stand confidently. A rock that isn’t swayed by storms. An eternal security that you will carry with you forever.
Jaime Jo Wright is an ECPA and Publisher’s Weekly bestselling author. Her novel “The House on Foster Hill” won the prestigious Christy Award and she continues to publish Gothic thrillers for the inspirational market. Jaime Jo resides in the woods of Wisconsin, lives in dreamland, exists in reality, and invites you to join her adventures at jaimewrightbooks.com and at her podcast madlitmusings.com where she discusses the deeper issues of story and faith with fellow authors.