There’s no escaping the fact that times of transition can be difficult.  As you are going through times of transition they are often characterized by uncertainty, chaos, and an unclear resolution.  When you acknowledge that transitions are difficult you seem to find the needed strength to persevere.  A common question from people in the midst of a transition is “How long will this last.“  Fortunately some transitions may be fairly brief but others may take several years. 

King David in the Old Testament experienced a fairly long transition.  When David was young, many commentators believe he was a teenager, he was anointed by the prophet Samuel. 

And Samuel said to Jesse, “Are these all the children?” And he said, “There remains yet the youngest, and behold, he is tending the sheep.” Then Samuel said to Jesse, “Send and bring him; for we will not sit down until he comes here.”  So he sent and brought him in. Now he was ruddy, with beautiful eyes and a handsome appearance. And the LORD said, “Arise, anoint him; for this is he.”  (1 Samuel 16:11-12)

God had rejected Saul as king and David was chosen as his successor.  David did not actually become king until many years later, he was often on the run trying to save his life from the attacks of King Saul.  Many of the Psalms were written during this difficult transitional time in his life.  At least ten years later we read,

David was thirty years old when he became king, and he reigned forty years.”  (2 Sam 5:4)

So practically what can you do when you’re in a time of transition?  Here are some principles from the life of David that may help you in times of transition:

Go to God in prayer. Tell God how you feel, He can handle it!  Many of David’s Psalms portray the depth of his emotions during his transition.

Look for the purpose in the outcome you seek.  When you realize that God is sovereign and that He is control you understand the truth of Isaiah 55:8, “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,” declares the LORD.”

Picture where God is taking you through this transition.  David said, “I would have despaired unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the LORD In the land of the living”  (Psalm 27:13).  David kept his focus on God and realized that as long as he had breath that God could use him.   

Develop a plan for how you can move from “here to there“.  In the words of Washington Irving, “Great minds have purposes, others have wishes.”  Do you have a great purpose you’re willing to act upon or do you simply have wishes?  Follow the wisdom of Oliver Cromwell, “Put your trust in God, my boys, and keep your powder dry!”

Build strong relationships for support.  During times of transition we especially need the support of others, don’t try to go it alone, we need one another.

When you’re in the midst of transition, don’t lose heart.  Follow the principles from the life of David that enabled him to persevere through a difficult time of transition.  What lessons have you learned from going through a time of transition?