Hear me speedily, O LORD: my spirit faileth: hide not thy face from me, lest I be like unto them that go down into the pit. (Ps 143:7)
When life as you know it suddenly changes, it can be very depressing, especially if you follow a strict routine. Even if you know the change is a "good" change, re-acclimating yourself and finding a new routine may take time and adjustment. We tend to look at things from a perspective of what "works". Once we have a plan, we do many things without thinking. When we have to change that plan, we can stumble and fall, and we can fall into depression. Our Lord knows this! He's waiting for us to ask for his help.
The older we get, the harder it is to accept change in our lives. We are creatures of habit and comfort. We don't always recognize the stress that comes with change (in others, we are fully aware of the stress we feel). The ability to reach out to God during those times can be crucial. It tests the limits of our faith and the belief that things will get better. Be patient with those around you, your change affects them as well. There "routines" have also been disrupted.
Don't allow anyone to bring you to a point where you are so weak and tired that your spirit becomes blackened with emotional pain. Knowing that everything in God's plan is good and that he understands completely where you are is often the only consoling factor in your existence at any given time. Lift up your eyes to the heavens and ask for the strength to continue on. Ask God to help you walk a little further each day until you find the peace that does come in change. Wishing things could be the way they were is not going to enable you to make a "new" way. Take the good pieces of that part of your past and bring them into the present. Once firmly in place, you will, again, be able to walk into your future with your head held high, a smile on your face and a song in your heart!
God knows you are struggling! He's there to carry you if need be. Don't allow the enemy one inch of ground because he will continue to take until there is nothing left. Stand firm in your convictions and do not show one sign of surrender. The only one you should ever surrender to is Jesus! Surrender you heart and soul to his way and you will make a smooth transition. Take the time that you need to be comfortable in his new plan for you. Listen to the advice of your family and friends but rely on HIM to lead you. He loves you. Listen for his voice. He knows his sheep and his sheep know him. And above all, remember - he's brought you this far, he won't leave you here to fend for yourself!
(photo by Lisa Kessel)
