Spend time in prayer and silence with God asking him to meet you and speak to you.
Bible Reading
When I heard these things, I sat down and wept. For some days I mourned and fasted and prayed before the God of heaven.
– Nehemiah 1:4
Though we are slaves, our God has not forsaken us in our bondage. He has shown us kindness in the sight of the kings of Persia: He has granted us new life to rebuild the house of our God and repair its ruins, and he has given us a wall of protection in Judah and Jerusalem.
– Ezra 9:9
“This, then, is how you should pray:
“”Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one”.
– Matthew 6:9-13
But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
– Matthew 6:33-34
Devotion
The reality of life, the reality of transitions can be crushing. Nehemiah hears the news about Jerusalem and responds by crying out to and praying to God.
This may be a model for you and I to use when facing a transition in life. When life heads in a new direction, even if it is overwhelming, drop to your knees and seek God.
Nehemiah knew that God was steering the people out of exile but was astounded when he thought about what the people were being led back into. This too can happen when you enter transition, you can freeze up and even procrastinate. You don’t make any new plans and you can fall into despair.
What can you do then? How about seek a new vision from God?
Ezra’s prayer above brings to light how sin has led the people, and us, in bondage. We see how the love of almighty God leads us out of slavery. When in transition you have to shed the old ways, the comfort of “the way things used to be”. God doesn’t want us in bondage, He wants us to find the new life on the other side of transition and live in freedom. By going to God in prayer you can open your heart to new beginnings. You can ask God to clear the debris away and build new boundaries and relationships. You must connect in prayer!
Remember when praying to God it is “His will” you seek. He already knows what you need. He knows your future. Do not worry. Wait patiently on the Lord for guidance and direction in any transition in life.
The Big Question
When you approach transition in life it doesn’t help to worry. How can you find peace that God is in control?
Conclude in prayer and silence reflecting on what you’ve learned.