Managing Anxiety During Seasons of Change

Change.

For some of us, that single word is enough to tighten our chest or raise our blood pressure. I’ll admit it—when I hear about changing programs, shifting responsibilities, or updates to processes, my reaction is like hearing a dentist say, “You need a root canal.” Suddenly, I can feel the anticipated discomfort creeping in.

But Scripture reminds us of a better way:

“For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self‑control.” — 2 Timothy 1:7

God never intended for fear or anxiety to be the things that guide us. And yet, if we’re honest, transition can bring all of that to the surface.

When Change Gets Personal

Let me share a season of transition that stretched me in ways I didn’t expect.

In October 2024, I retired from pastoral ministry. My wife, Michele, and I believed God was leading us to move to Arkansas to be near our four grandchildren. So, we took a trip to Siloam Springs to look for housing and work.

We found… nothing.

We returned to Ohio disappointed and questioning whether we misunderstood God’s direction. But in November, with prayer and trembling faith, we decided to move anyway—still with no job lined up and no place to live.

Then came a breakthrough: a contact in Siloam Springs let us know about a home we could afford. So, in December, friends helped us pack up our lives and move to Arkansas.

Sounds like a happy ending, right?
Not quite.

Job applications were going nowhere. Walmart, Lowe’s, Tractor Supply—no responses or offers. To keep busy (and sane), I worked on the property we were renting to earn rent credit. On top of that, we still couldn’t find a church home.

Then in February, the Lord nudged me toward a conversation with Nick Braschler. Several interviews later, I stepped into a new role: a part‑time, night‑shift Chaplain. New job. New people. New responsibilities. New everything.

And then came more transition.
A full‑time offer.
A search for permanent housing.
Multiple moves—ours and both of our adult children—within a three‑week period.

Let’s just say… anxiety had plenty of opportunities to knock on my door.

You’re Not Alone if Change Makes You Uneasy

Change affects everyone differently, but the emotional fallout is similar:

·         Feeling uncertain

·         Grieving what’s familiar

·         Worrying about what’s ahead

·         Feeling vulnerable or out of control

Therapists call it transition anxiety—the emotional response we experience when life pushes us out of our comfort zones and into unfamiliar territory.

This can show up during:

·         Job changes

·         Relationship shifts

·         Health challenges

·         Big moves

·         School transitions

·         Even positive changes like promotions, engagements, or graduation

Our brains naturally prefer familiar patterns. Change disrupts those patterns and can trigger fear, worry, or a sense of imbalance. And that’s normal. You’re not “weak” or “faithless” for feeling that tension.

So, What Can We Do About It?

Here are some practical ways to navigate transition anxiety with grace and hope:

✅ Acknowledge That Change Is Hard

Give yourself permission to feel uneasy. It’s part of being human.

✅ Hold on to What’s Familiar

Small routines create stability when life feels unpredictable.

✅ Focus on What You Can Control

You can’t rewrite the future, but you can take one faithful step at a time.

✅ Reframe Your Thoughts

Instead of imagining worst‑case scenarios, consider the good that could come from change.

✅ Practice Calming Techniques

Breathing exercises, prayer, journaling, or grounding yourself in the present moment can help quiet the racing mind.

What Scripture Says About Our Fears         

God doesn’t leave us alone in seasons of transition. Here are some powerful reminders:

·         Matthew 6:34 — Don’t worry about tomorrow.

·         Proverbs 3:5–6 — Trust in the Lord, not your own understanding.

·         Philippians 4:6–7 — Bring everything to God in prayer; He gives peace.

·         1 Peter 5:6–7 — Cast your anxieties on Him; He cares for you.

·         Hebrews 13:6 — The Lord is our helper; we need not fear.

·         John 14:27 — Jesus gives peace unlike anything the world offers.

·         2 Timothy 1:7 — God gives power, love, and self‑control.

·         Psalm 55:22 — God sustains those who trust Him.

Personally, Proverbs 3:5–6 and Philippians 4:6–7 anchor me. They remind me who is truly in control—and it’s not me. They help me release the illusion of control and hold onto God’s steady hand instead.

When You Need More Support

If you’re struggling with overwhelming anxiety during change, talking with a mental health professional can be incredibly helpful. Simmons has a therapist on staff through our clinic, and support is only a phone call away.

A Final Word of Encouragement

Keep this in mind:

Change is not your enemy.
It’s often the doorway to growth, blessing, and deeper trust in God.

Whatever season you’re navigating, I hope you found a truth here—a “nugget,” as I like to say—that helps you breathe a little easier and face tomorrow with confidence.

And remember:
You don’t walk through transition alone.