Coping with changes that come into our lives can be extremely difficult especially when we have to deal with things that we have no control over. Read this illustration about instant change:

The Elevator (Source Unknown) 

A man from the back mountains of Tennessee found himself one day in a large city, for the first time standing outside an elevator. He watched as an old, haggard woman hobbled on, and the doors closed. A few minutes later the doors opened and a young, attractive woman marched smartly off. The father hollered to his youngest son, “Billy, go get mother.”

Of course, if making a change were that easy, we all would want to take a ride on that elevator! Let’s take a look at how change, control and plans are defined and what Scripture says about them.

Change can be defined as:  to make the form, nature, content, future course, etc. of (something) different from what it is or from what it would be if left alone. (Dictionary.com)

Though circumstances, relationships, health, etc. may change, God never changes – He is the One Constant that we as believers have in our lives.

I the LORD do not change. (Malachi 3:6a)

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. (James 1:17)

Control can be defined as: the power to influence or direct people’s behavior or the course of events. (Google definition)

As believers, we are no longer under the control of sin or slaves to it, but now we have become slaves to God and His righteousness. And that means that we no longer have to feel like we need to be in control, because God is the One who is sovereign over all His creation.

When you were slaves to sin, you were free from the control of righteousness. But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves to God, the benefit you reap leads to holiness, and the result is eternal life. (Romans 6:20,22)

Let’s go on to define the word “plans” to learn more about God and His sovereignty.

Plans can be defined as: 1. a scheme or method of acting, doing, proceeding, making, etc., developed in advance: battle plans. 2. a design or scheme of arrangement: an elaborate plan for seating guests. 3. a specific project or definite purpose: plans for the future. (Dictionary.com)

We see the sovereignty of God reveals that God has control over everything.

The LORD foils the plans of the nations; he thwarts the purposes of the peoples. But the plans of the LORD stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations. (Psalm 33:10-11)

Then in Proverbs we see that we need to seek God and counsel when we are devising our plans.

Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.(Proverbs 16:3)

Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed. (Proverbs 15:22)

It is also clear that God determines our steps and that it is His purpose that prevails.

In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps. (Proverbs 16:9)

Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it is the LORD’s purpose that prevails.” (Proverbs 19:21)

It is also notable that God not only has plans for us but they are to give a hope and a future!

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. (Jeremiah 29:11)

Question to think about: What changes do you have control over in your life?

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What does it mean to offer Jesus’ Compassion to those around us?

In the four Gospels, there are several instances where Jesus showed compassion to others. Jesus reached out to the lame, the blind, the deaf, the demon possessed, the poor and people who were struggling and needed the touch of the Savior. Below are examples of how Jesus showed compassion toward others and what we can learn from His example to show His compassion to those around us.

So, what will you do with Jesus’ Compassion?

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In Mark 6:31 Jesus said to his disciples:

            Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.

The disciples came to Jesus to report on their teaching and what they had done. He knew they were weary, not even having the opportunity to eat, so Jesus and the disciples went away by boat to a solitary place. The people followed them and soon a crowd gathered to meet them when they landed. What happened next was the feeding of 5,000 people with five loaves and two fishes.

Once the disciples had collected the leftovers, Jesus “immediately made his disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to Bethsaida, while he dismissed the crowd. After leaving them, he went up on a mountainside to pray.”(Mark 6:45-46)

How was Jesus helping his disciples get some rest?

• Jesus knew that the disciples needed a break from all they were doing even when they might not have realized it.
• Jesus urged them to come with Him to a quiet place.
• Jesus was offering them true rest.

What does this mean to us who are constantly giving of ourselves to others?

• We need to be wise and discerning when it comes to taking care of ourselves – sometimes we just need to take a break!
• Taking a break doesn’t always mean getting away to a different location but it could mean finding a quiet place of solitude where your mind, body and soul can find refreshment!
• We may just need to physically rest our bodies with much needed sleep!

Getting back to the disciples in Mark 6, we find that at the end of a very long day, Jesus sent them on ahead of him in a boat. Jesus dismissed the crowds and he himself found refreshment with his heavenly Father in a solitary place on a mountainside.

Are you catching the theme here?  It is necessary for us to get some rest, get refreshed and spend some quality time with our Creator! And it may just be in a boat or on a mountainside!

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. (Mt. 11:28)

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What does God do to restore your soul? 

The phrase, “He restores my soul” literally means, “He brings back my life”. Throughout Scripture, when something is restored, it is always increased, multiplied or improved so that its latter state is significantly better than its original state.

Some ways that He can restore our souls:

Refreshes:    to replenish

Psalm 19:7  The Law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul.

Envelopes:   to enclose completely

Psalm 91:4  He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.

Satisfies:      to fulfill

Psalm 37:23-24  The Lord delights in the way of the man whose steps he has made firm; though he stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with his hand.

Transforms:  to change

Romans 12:2  but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.

Observes:     to keep one’s eye on

Psalm 34:15  The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their cry.

Renews:       to regenerate

Isaiah 40:31  but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.

Embraces:    to cherish

Psalm 34:18  The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. 

Perhaps you are feeling overwhelmed with life right now. Maybe you are walking through deep waters. You may long for your soul to be restored, to be brought back to life. There are a few things that may help you as you seek that restoration:

1. Remember who God is – that He is still on the throne in heaven, reigning in perfect power.
2. Keep talking to God through prayer.
3. Read His Word and review His promises.
4. Connect with other believers for fellowship, worship and support.

God wants to restore your soul – He wants to bring back your life – He is your hope and refuge no matter how much you are enduring – His love is everlasting!

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