Change without Fear

School has started back up, businesses have returned to regular hours, vacations are over, schedules are back to routines and daily life will soon return to previous habits. How has the Christmas season changed our lives for the better? Even though I determined not to get caught up in the bustle of the season, I did; family and friends, shopping, holiday events, cooking, entertaining…the list goes on. Life was busy, fast, and flew past but now it is a new year. A new year should bring a new season to our lives. Typically we resolve to become better individuals both spiritually and personally and usually start with a new year’s resolution but then complacency sets in for most of us.

We all know if we continue to do the same things we will yield the same results. Our goals usually sound good but our old routines squelch our drive. To do anything different would require change and bottom line change is scary and we actually fear it. Change requires a shift in ideas, behaviors, and attitudes but it is only through change that we will become transformed into a new being.

In the book of Isaiah there is a beautiful verse. “For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your hand and says to you, ‘Do not fear; I will help you.’” Isaiah 41:13 (NIV). While pondering this verse I found I was at such peace. His words are powerful; “Do not fear; I will help you.” Those are words to cling to in the new year, especially if you are looking to make changes in your life. Everything is easier if we have a helper let alone the helper being our God.

Those specific words are not the most important part of this verse though. The verse first starts out with the following words, “For I am the Lord your God.” That is very personal. He did not just allude to the fact that He is God, but actually referred to himself in a very personal way. He has a relationship with each of us even when we don’t acknowledge him. In this verse there is a perfect picture of him taking your hand to hold while talking to you. Did you ever take and hold anyone’s hand while telling them not to fear? That would be a reassurance showing them you want to keep them safe right next to you. The grip would be real and the desire to be along side of the other person would be extremely evident.

Fear is something that can be paralyzing and stops us in our tracks even when we know the outcome could be great. Fear puts doubt in our minds that we can’t adapt and conform to new ways. Realize fear for what it is and allow it to spur you on to bigger and better things this year as you make changes in your life. Embrace change and cling to Him. God is right next to you, holding your hand, helping you every step of the way! What do you want to change in your life today?

“For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your hand and says to you, ‘Do not fear; I will help you.’” Isaiah 41:13 (NIV)