Dericka Canada Cunningham, GBW Founder
May 15, 2023
This Week's Anchor
“There is a time for everything,
and a season for every activity under heaven:”
Ecclesiastes 3: 1 (NIV)
Change…unpredictable, uncertain, uncontrollable change. It’s that thing that makes some of us cringe. Even when we desire and welcome it, it can be difficult to navigate. Nevertheless, seasons come and seasons go—our anchor scripture this week calls us to embrace the transitory nature of our life seasons.
The beginning of Ecclesiastes 3 is a familiar scripture: “There is a time for everything…a time to be born and a time to die…a time to weep and a time to laugh…a time to be silent and a time to speak…” The entire book of Ecclesiastes takes us on a journey of understanding the meaning of our God-given lives, and it provides us with many life insights and perspectives. Not only is there a season for everything, but unlike Earth’s somewhat predictable weather seasons, the seasons in our lives can change at any moment. This can feel both liberating and terrifying at the same time.
What can be most challenging about season change is that it oftentimes serves as a sobering reminder that we don’t have control, especially when it occurs unexpectedly. Even planned and seemingly positive life changes can be filled with unexpected hurdles, and we are nudged time and time again, to trust God in the process. The truth is, we don’t have and quite frankly, have never had control over the unfolding of our life seasons. Although we’ve been granted the gift of free will and self-agency, God remains the master and controller of time and change. He has carefully and intentionally orchestrated our seasons, and we must humbly surrender to them.
So, what can help us when we find ourselves overwhelmed by our changing seasons?
Change Our Perspective of Change
Change can be challenging but challenging doesn’t equal bad. When we are in difficult transitions, we oftentimes have a habit of hyper-focusing on the struggle and diminishing the meaning of the process. Thankfully, when our lives change, we change. Change in our lives oftentimes helps us evolve in ways that are necessary for our purpose. Because of this, we are sometimes in desperate need of change and growth. One of my favorite Lauryn Hill quotes says, “Everything is everything, what is meant to be, will be; after winter, must come spring; change, it comes eventually…” We cannot control when change comes, but in the wisdom of Lauryn, we know that it will come. Much of our struggle isn’t with change itself, it’s how we perceive, react to, and navigate change that is often the source of our distress. What we do have agency over is how we relate to change. When change comes, as opposed to fighting it, welcome it. Invite it in to sit with you; have a conversation with it and learn the meaning of why it’s graced you with its presence.
Get In the Changemaker’s Presence
Why would we not connect with the change-maker and change-controller to help us through our seasons of change? It’s simple: the presence of the Holy Trinity is truly the antidote for all our suffering. When we are overwhelmed with what is happening in our lives, God is ready to guide us through it. Again, I want to validate anyone who is reading this and saying, “but I can’t…I’m just too overwhelmed.” I see you…The sense of feeling overwhelmed with distress can be isolating—it can lead us to shut down and shut out. Not only does your GBW community understand, but most importantly, God understands. Entering His presence doesn’t have to be grand or require the energy of running a marathon, it can be as simple as saying “Lord, I need you” while you are in the middle of your workday, or “Holy Spirit, help me through this” as you are getting your children ready in the morning. He not only hears your simple words but even more, He hears and sees your heart. He isn’t far from you. He’s just waiting for you to invite Him into your distress.
Connect with Community/Support
God gave us community for a reason—to affirm that we don’t have to go at this alone. Transitions can be tough, and it’s often when we are in life transitions that we are most vulnerable and lose contact with friends, family, and community. I know it from personal experience. The past decade of my life has been filled with transitions—good, not-so-good, and everything in between. A few years ago, I was entering a major life transition, and I knew I needed additional support. I decided to be proactive and get connected to a therapist in advance so that I could have this support through the transition (Yes, my name is Dericka, and I am a therapist who has a therapist because I believe in practicing what I preach/promote). I am truly grateful that I did. Could I have survived without therapy? Maybe. But I didn’t want to just survive through the transition, I wanted to thrive through it (or at least attempt to). If you need community as you navigate your life season changes, call that friend who you have thought about the past few weeks; reach out to that family member, neighbor, church member, and/or coworker for solidarity. If you need additional support, GBW has many resources to help you get connected.
Our lives will be full of change and we will change with them, but gratefully, God stays the same. This is the hope that we can hold onto through any life season. As we transition through our week as the book of Ecclesiastes embodies, may we embrace the beauty of change. May we hold onto God’s unchanging hand and enjoy the unpredictable ride of life in community.
Reflection
What is resonating for you about this scripture and/or this devotion?
What is your relationship with change? How do you navigate life/season change?
What do you need from God to help you navigate seasons of change?
What intention(s) do you want to set to connect and/or reconnect with being grounded this week?
Related Scriptures to Ground You Through this Week
Deuteronomy 31:6
Ecclesiastes Chapter 3
Lamentations 3: 21-23
2 Corinthians 4: 16
Philippians 4: 6-7
Hebrews 13: 8
My Through-the-Week Reflection Guide
A Song of Inspiration
Quote of Love & Liberation
"When I dare to be powerful—to use my strength in the service of my vision,
then it becomes less and less important whether I am afraid."
Audre Lorde
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