Cindy Powell

“Blessed are those whose strength is in you, whose hearts are set on pilgrimage. As they pass through the Valley of Baka, they make it a place of springs; the autumn rains also cover it with pools. They go from strength to strength,till each appears before God in Zion.” -Psalm 84:5-7

Transition.  Not many people love the word. Because not many people love the idea of being in transition.

Not many people love the idea of change.

It’s that uncomfortable place.

That in-between place.

That place where you’re not where you were, but you’re not yet where you’re going to be.

Really transition is the bridge–the hallway–in between seasons.

But the good thing about bridges and hallways is that they lead somewhere.

So does a season of transition.

Years ago, I heard someone teaching on Psalm 84—specifically they were talking about the promise that we always go from strength to strength. The problem is, we never know how long the “to” will be! The same is true in times of transition—we just never know how long that hallway—how long that in-between space—will be.

Seasons of transition are inevitable. Some are short, some are long, but either way we will spend a good portion of our lives in a transition of one sort or another. Since we spend so much time there, shouldn’t we try to make peace with the idea of transition? Jesus said, “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full” (John 10:10). If so much of our lives are spent in transition, that tells me there must be a way to have life—fullness of life—even in times of transition.

While I don’t think we can take all the discomfort out of transition, I do think our perspective makes a huge difference in how well we navigate seasons of transition and change. Recently I spoke at a women’s Bible study on Ruth, chapter two. In the book of Ruth, chapter two is—you guessed it—the transition chapter. But I found all kinds of good stuff in that chapter! There are numerous ways God worked on Ruth’s behalf—remarkable examples of His providence, His provision, and His protection (check  it out)—right there in the midst of a very difficult time of transition.

God works in remarkable ways on our behalf, too—even in our own seasons of transition. But as wonderful as all those examples of His grace are, we have access to an even greater promise. Because by far the most precious gift God gives us—not just in seasons of transition, but in every season—is His presence.

“And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age” (Matt.28:20 NLT).

Jesus spoke those words to His disciples as they were entering a very significant period of transition. He is still speaking those words to us today.

No matter the season, He is still God and He is still good. No matter the season, I am still who He says I am and He is still with me—always. No matter the season, His promises are still “yes and amen.” In His presence is fullness of joy—anytime, anywhere.

When He is our strength, it doesn’t matter as much how long that “to” becomes. When we set our hearts on pilgrimage, it is possible to pass through the Valley of Baca (the valley of weeping) …  and make it a place of springs …  a place of hope … a place of joy.

It is possible to make it a place of life.

So set your heart on pilgrimage … really, set your heart on Him … and live … really live … your life right here and right now. Because He has come to give us life. Fullness of life ….

Even in transition.

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Here is the podcast link for this week’s devotional:  Monday Morning Musings: Life IN Transition

And the SoundCloud Link: