From Hot Flashes to Hope: Wisdom from the Book of James

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By Heather Marshall

September is a month of change. The weather shifts, with lazy summer days giving way to hectic school and work schedules. For many of us, our families are evolving as well — children start school for the first time, while teenagers leave home for college. This time of transition can be challenging, especially when coupled with changes in our bodies.

I have been experiencing changes in my body associated with aging, and it hasn’t been easy. As Dr. Mary Clair explains, “Menopause is the culmination of a years-long transition called perimenopause, during which three hormones—estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone—shift in ways that affect nearly every organ system in a woman’s body” (https://thepauselife.com/blogs/the-pause-blog).

One of the most difficult aspects of this natural aging process is that perimenopause and menopause do not occur in isolation; they coincide with significant life changes — developing teenagers, aging parents, and career demands. Stress exacerbates every symptom!

Despite the challenges, I find encouragement in the book of James to help me navigate this stressful time. Whether you are facing the difficulties of an aging body or other changes due to illness or pain, here are a few words of encouragement that have helped me.

Remembering Our Creation in God’s Image

When my body isn’t functioning as it should, it’s easy to fall into negative self-talk. In James 3:9, the apostle reminds us that we “have been made in the image of God.” This truth is significant because our bodies are connected to our Creator.

In her study, Body and Soul, Lisa Whittle states, “In light of our connectedness to Almighty God, you would think we would walk around with a healthy esteem of ourselves... The opposite is often true. We have a high esteem for God but a low esteem for those made in His very image: ourselves and others.”

Sisters, we are made in the image of God, and our bodies are a gift from Him. Therefore, we need to treat them with the esteem they deserve as His image bearers, even during difficult times.

Trials as Opportunities for Growth

James 1:2-3 says, “Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow.”

When I struggle with hot flashes, insomnia, weight gain, brain fog, loss of muscle stamina, and a myriad of other symptoms linked to aging, I can view these challenges as opportunities for great joy because my faith — and consequently my endurance — grows during these trials.

The Power of Prayer

God wants us to bring all our bodily challenges to Him in prayer. James instructs us that if anyone is suffering hardships, they should pray (James 5:13). He promises that “the earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results” (James 5:16).

Seeking Wisdom from God

James teaches us that all we have to do is ask God for wisdom, and He will provide it. He assures us, “If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and He will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking” (James 1:5).

I have prayed, “Lord, I don’t fully understand the changes happening in my body, but You do, because I am fearfully and wonderfully made by You. Please grant me the wisdom to care for my body during this transition and guide me to those who can assist me in this season.”

The exciting thing is that I have seen the Lord answer this prayer! Through various circumstances, He has led me to healthcare providers who are experts in this field. They have offered education and resources to help me navigate this transition successfully.

God’s Unchanging Nature

It’s comforting to know that, even as I change, God remains constant. He has good things in store for me now and in the future. “Whatever is good and perfect is a gift coming down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens. He never changes or casts a shifting shadow” (James 1:17).

As we navigate the inevitable changes that come with aging and life’s transitions, it’s essential to remember that we are not alone on this journey. The insights from the book of James provide powerful reminders of our worth, the potential for growth through trials, the vital practice of prayer, and the unchanging nature of God.

Embracing our bodies, even in difficult times, can lead to deeper faith and resilience. Let us lean on God for wisdom and comfort, trusting that He is with us every step of the way.