By Betsy Ore Glass

Hear, O Lord, and be merciful to me; O Lord, be my help. – Psalm 30:10 NIV

Change seems to be everywhere and there is even more coming up ahead. Change is one of those words that brings with it a lot of feelings and emotions when it surrounds us. Probably the simplest way to describe change is “to pass from one state to another.” Seasonal changes we tend to welcome and look forward to with anticipation. We know what to expect year after year. The spring flowers of this season are about to emerge, the grass grows again, the trees bud out and the weather warms. Gardens are being planned and planted with anticipated hope. The transition from season to season is somewhat predictable.

But what about change that comes like a lion in the night? An unwelcome change. Like the moment we are all in together now. The unexpected, unpredictable turns that come upon us at times that can shift our lives in another direction. How do we cope? That’s when our faith is of utmost importance. We can face anything that comes to us. God won’t leave us alone to get through these times of difficulty by ourselves. We can count on Him. He made us strong. We can rely on His strength and promises.  How we choose to react to change determines how we will be able to manage it. Something to think about. God’s plan is at work in our lives and in our surroundings. We must never forget that. Yes, God is part of everything and every situation. We don’t always know the reason why things happen. He will allow things at times to occur to bring us back closer to Him and to strengthen us.

As we are certain to meet change almost daily, we should remember that God does not change. He is always there with His promises to lift us up out of the mire on to high ground again. We can take refuge in Him. I think of that old hymn that says, “Standing, standing, standing on the promises of God my savior.” It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect. Psalm 18:21 NIV

Betsy Ore Glass has long-standing ties to the Outer Banks. From Virginia Beach, her family bought a vacation cottage in the 60s and her love of the area began. Later in the 90s, Betsy and her husband bought a weekend cottage and introduced the area to their children. Then Betsy’s parents retired to KDH where the family gathered often. Reach her at betsyglass1@gmail.com or read additional Reflections at www.betsyoreglass.com.

READ ABOUT COMMUNITY NEWS HERE.