Life often feels like a never-ending game of Jenga, doesn’t it? You cautiously build your tower—one block after another, one decision after the next—until your structure begins to look slanted and misshaped. You carefully make your next move, hoping for the best as you delicately pull a block from beneath the swaying stack of wood. But without warning, everything comes crashing down, leaving a pile of scattered blocks where a tall column once stood.

Have you ever had to “pick up the blocks” in your life, and begrudgingly start over? Have you ever set out to rebuild a foundation after years of molding and shaping?

Maybe you made this decision after a difficult break up from a long-term relationship. As you built toward marriage, you came to the realization that you simply had too many differences—and you chose to start over. Or maybe, after years of employment with the same company, your organization downsized and laid you off. You called your spouse, packed up your belongings and embarked on a new journey.

Sometimes, starting over presents an opportunity to build a new, sturdier tower. Other times, starting over follows a period of uncertainty, forcing you to pick up the blocks when you wish they had never fallen in the first place. But regardless of the circumstance, God’s Word offers peace, hope and encouragement as you search for the strength to make your next move.

Whether you’re entering a new relationship, beginning a new career or simply making changes to your existing way of life, turn to God in prayer:

1. Lord, give me the strength to carry on.
   Do not be afraid—I am with you! I am your God—let nothing terrify you! I will make you strong and help you; I will protect you and save you. ­– Isaiah 41:10 (GNTD)
2. Lord, help me learn from the past.
   Teach me your ways, O Lord; make them known to me. Teach me to live according to your truth, for you are my God, who saves me. I always trust in you. – Psalm 25:4-5 (GNTD)
3. Lord, help me rely on you through my transition.
   Humble yourselves, then, under God's mighty hand, so that he will lift you up in his own good time. Leave all your worries with him, because he cares for you. – 1 Peter 5:6-8 (GNTD)
4. Lord, guide me as I make decisions about the future.
   Trust in the Lord with all your heart. Never rely on what you think you know. Remember the Lord in everything you do, and he will show you the right way.– Proverbs 3:5-6 (GNTD)