I want my old dream back
A Listening Heart
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Shayla (not her real name) and I were working on understanding why she felt frustrated, angry, and unable to move forward with her goals. I asked some questions to help her identify the problem. Then suddenly, she blurted out, I want my old dream back.
That was a surprise. I asked more questions to help Shayla go deeper.
It turns out Shayla was struggling with changes in several areas of her life. She was upset about the circumstances causing the changes. Her frustrations blocked her from exploring other options to enable her to move forward.
Do you struggle with change? Do you wish some situations in your life would return to how they were?
Change is Part of Life
The definition of change: [verb] includes to make something different, alter, transform, and to make radically different– Merriam-Webster dictionary.
Change is part of life, and it is how we grow. When you and I refuse to change, we will experience feelings like Shayla, stuck, frustrated, angry, and with no joy.
Embrace Change to Enjoy God’s Best for You.
The Israelites also struggled with change and wanted their old dreams and lifestyle back. Although God delivered them miraculously from Egypt, they complained about not having water while they were in the desert. They longed for their familiar foods back in Egypt.
They were stuck in the past, and all they could see was their old lifestyle in Egypt. They forget about having God’s presence leading them day and night.
And the whole congregation of the people of Israel grumbled against Moses and Aaron in the wilderness, and the people of Israel said to them, “Would that we had died by the hand of the Lord in the land of Egypt, when we sat by the meat pots and ate bread to the full, for you have brought us out into this wilderness to kill this whole assembly with hunger. Exodus 16:2-3
They couldn’t see any other possibilities or options. They had underlying assumptions and beliefs about change and God’s ability to meet their needs.
Like the Israelites, when you and I refuse to change and want our old dreams back, we are essentially questioning God’s goodness and ability to provide for us. We assume we are on our own, and it is up to us to fend for ourselves.
What underlying assumptions and beliefs keep you from embracing change in your current situation?
Thankfully God is faithful when we are not.
Unwillingness to change will keep you stuck and steal your joy.
8 Joy-filled Benefits of Accepting Change
Many things require us to change because life doesn’t always turn out like we dreamed or expected. We encounter change during life transitions, job loss, death of a loved one, change in health status, children leaving home, birth, or when a marriage ends in divorce.
There are many positive benefits of accepting change. When you embrace change, you’ ‘ll …
- Build resilience
- Develop courage
- Be open to exploring new opportunities
- Release your old stories and let go of the fear of uncertainties
- Get out of your comfort zone
- Have more joy
- Make new friends
- Trust God more
Change is a must if you want to grow. So, allow the New You to get on board with God’s plans for you. God is for you. He loves you!
I am happy to report that Shayla eventually accepted her situation and made the necessary changes. She says, I’m much more content and wonder why I waited so long.
Friend, you may have resisted change for a while, but know this, you don’t have to stay there. You can get help. God can meet your needs and help you through your fear of uncertainties.
Choose change, embrace hope, and receive God’s garment of joy.
Weeping may remain for a night, but rejoicing comes in the morning. You turned my wailing into dancing and removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy, that my heart may sing to you and not be silent. All Lord my God, I give thanks to you forever. Psalm 30:5, 11-12
What do you wish was different in your current situation? In what way will you invite the Lord to help you accept change?
I’d like to recommend a helpful resource, Necessary Endings by Dr. Henry Cloud
You may also be interested Change Them Lord and Encounter with Jesus Changes Everything
