Adjusting the Lens: When Change Starts Within

There’s a natural tendency in all of us to look outward when things aren’t going as planned. We point to shifting markets, difficult people, unexpected obstacles, or unfair circumstances. While those factors are often real, they are rarely the full story. Sustainable success—both in life and work—often requires something more challenging: a willingness to look inward and make personal adjustments.

Psalm 139:23–24 has always been a challenging prayer for me to pray, and so often it leads me to a place of transformation:
“Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.”

This is not a defensive prayer—it’s an open invitation. It acknowledges that while external pressures exist, internal alignment matters just as much, if not more.

When Circumstances Shift

Recently, I met with a colleague who found himself in a difficult situation. He had entered into an agreement with a client under what seemed like stable conditions. But as often happens, the market shifted. What once looked straightforward became complicated and uncertain.

At first glance, it would have been easy to blame the market or even the client. After all, the circumstances had changed beyond his control. But instead of reacting out of frustration, he chose a different path.

He and his wife took time to step back, pray, and seek God together. Rather than asking, “Why is this happening to us?” they asked, “What might God be doing in us?”

The Courage to Adjust

Through that process, they sensed God prompting them to make adjustments—not just in their business approach, but in their lives. Areas that had gone unexamined were brought into the light. Priorities were realigned. Habits were reconsidered.

It wasn’t necessarily easy, but it was intentional.

What stood out most to me was this: they didn’t treat prayer as a last resort—they treated it as the foundation. They understood that longevity and security are not just the result of good strategy; they are deeply connected to a life that is consistently submitted to God.

The Hidden Key to Sustainability

In business, we often talk about adaptability as a competitive advantage. Companies that survive and thrive are the ones that can pivot, evolve, and respond to change. The same principle applies spiritually and personally.

If we resist change internally, we limit our ability to navigate change externally.

Psalm 139 challenges us to adopt a posture of humility and openness. It invites us to ask hard questions:

• Is there something in me that needs to change?

• Am I holding onto patterns, attitudes, or assumptions that are no longer serving God’s purpose?

• Have I become more focused on controlling outcomes than cultivating obedience?

These questions are not comfortable, but they are transformative.

Moving Forward with Intention

Adjustments are not a sign of failure—they are often a sign of growth. When we allow God to search our hearts and lead us, we position ourselves for something deeper than short-term success. We step into alignment with His “way everlasting,” which brings both clarity and peace.

The next time you face a challenging situation, resist the urge to look outward first. Instead, start with the prayer of David. Invite God into the process. Let Him reveal what needs to shift within you.

Because sometimes, the breakthrough you’re looking for isn’t found in changing your circumstances—it’s found in allowing God to change you.