A Spirit of Worship Amid Life’s Changes

Most of us have encountered a season when we have experienced a major change in our lives in which we may have had little to no control over. This change may have involved job relocation, a new position that forced us out of our comfort zone, a new school, a relationship change, or some other change that was unwelcomed. Some individuals easily adapt or may even seek positive outcomes of such a change. However, others may find it extremely difficult to deal with an involuntary change.

Individuals who experience unwanted changes may react in several different ways. One reaction may be to deny that the change has occurred or affected them at all. Another reaction is to acknowledge that the change has happened but continuously speak negatively against such change. A third response is to fully accept the change, although there is a sense of discomfort experienced initially. A more detrimental response is to decrease focus on our Lord by placing greater weight on the change itself. When we allow an unexpected or less than desirable change to consume our attention, we essentially give in to a spirit of non-worshipping.

You may be wondering how is it possible to not be in a spirit of worship when we are too focused on an unwanted change. The Word of God encourages us not to be anxious for anything, but in every situation to make our request known to Him. He also reminds us if there is anything to be praised about the situation, to focus more on these things (Philippians 4: 6-8). Trusting and obeying God’s Word in all things is directly connected to having a life of Worship. When we say we love God, we obey Him even when things seem not to be going the way we would prefer. Therefore, we can conclude that we can have a life of worship through a spirit of obedience.

The Word of God also exhorts us to trust Him with our lives because He has good thoughts towards us, and He plans to do us good and not to do us harm. (Jeremiah 29:19). Therefore, when we know and understand the passion of God’s love for us, we can accept that even during life changes, the end outcome will be good. Trusting in the very nature of God’s goodness towards mankind is an act of worship within itself. Be encouraged when you are experiencing a life change, for some of these changes are because God is doing a new thing in our lives and He desires that we gain a spiritual viewpoint on it. (Isaiah 43:19). Other times, we have to stand firm in our foundation of knowing that even though life situations may initiate change, our Lord never changes. (Hebrews 13:8; Malachi 3:6; James 1:17). Again, we may take comfort in worshiping Him by keeping faith in His unchanging nature. Finally, when there is a major life change that does not provide any comfort, then we must continue to worship God by trusting that He is the great deliver of His people in every situation. (Psalm 18:2).