I wasn't prepared to have a kid grow up.
I thought I was. I thought it would be nice to have less daily responsibility and let him take care of his own needs, freeing me up. I knew he had a good head on his shoulders and chose his path wisely. I could see God captured his heart before he left, instilling in me confidence he would seek God's guidance.
But no one told me when he left our home worry would replace his presence.
I worry about him getting signed up for the right classes, getting good grades, succeeding in his job, staying healthy. I worry about whether he's made his car payment or eaten today or washed his sheets in the last month. I worry about his future and how he'll support a family. I worry about job opportunities in his chosen field.
I worry too much.
And it's wrong. God doesn't want us to waste our days worrying. He promises us peace.
Peace I leave with you;
My peace I give to you;
not as the world gives do I give to you.
Do not let your heart be troubled,
nor let it be fearful.”
John 14:27 NASB
How do we get this peace? How can I not be troubled? Jesus told us earlier in this same passage.
Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me.
John 14:1
In essence He says, "Hey, stop worrying, just trust me already, 'kay?" Why is trust so important?
This is what the Sovereign Lord, the Holy One of Israel, says:
"In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength, but you would have none of it. Yet the Lord longs to be gracious to you; he rises to show you compassion. For the Lord is a God of justice. Blessed are all who wait for him!
Isaiah 30:15, 18
Did you catch that? In quietness and trust is your STRENGTH! The Lord LONGS to be gracious to you. Blessed are all who wait for Him!
These are nice words, but so much easier said than done. How can trust help me not worry? Wait, I got a verse for that too!
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:6-7
Here's how I practice trusting God. When I start to worry, I pray, making my requests, and then trust Him by assuming He's got it handled. Now don't think this is easy. Sometimes I'm doing this over and over in a short time span, but when I truly trust God, I can move on with peace knowing God's going to take care of my son. He loves him way more than I do.
Have you tried conquering your worry with trust? What do you need to practice leaving in His hands? Do not be worried. Do not be fearful. Trust and He will give you peace.
Visit our host, Patricia at Typing One-Handed for more ideas about this quote.
Have a good day, my friends!
10 comments:
So Tami....honey I could have used this post 4 months ago. I would have had it printed and posted on the fridge with another, very usage-crumpled copy in my purse. I need this message so much. Thank you for participating today!
What a great post! I am a long way from seeing my son all grown up and out of the house (only 3 years old). I have been blessed reading other wommen's posts today about that aspect of being a mother and allowing God to give you peace as your children fly. My mom used to always say "Being a mother is a life sentence."
What a great reminder! Thank you my friend.
Great thoughts! I too have a long time before my kids leave but I can relate to the worry wart-TOTALLY!
I did have to go back when you said "did you catch that," what a wonderful promise. Now lets do our part! Worrying? Quit it already :)
That was really great. I like your scripture references you gave and the reminder to us that we need to go to our source, Jesus Christ. If we stick with Him, His peace will stick with us. Thanks!
I love that passage from Isaiah! Thank you so much for sharing it; I needed to hear that today! How interesting that, as moms, we can totally relate to the worry, worry, worry.
"In quietness and trust is your strength." Oh, how I need to cling to these words of truth! Quietness and trust. Thank you, Tami. God has used you to speak a word of encouragement to me in the midst of certain circumstances going on right now. Thank you for your faithfulness.
Denise :)
Tami, I hear you. I worry about my husband. It's ridiculous and I certainly can't control him but I do struggle in this area. I love the verse you posted from Isaiah 30 "...in quietness and trust is your strength." I needed that today.
Blessings,
Debbie
I’m in the club with ya’ Worry is my besetting sin. Our children range in age from 5 – 24 and I worry and fret over the daily/routine stuff for each of them. And you’re absolutely right: It is wrong. The ONLY thing that will conquer the worry is that peace that “passes understanding.” What an excellent choice of Scriptures to bring it into our weakness and point the way to perfect peace!
Thank you!
~esthermay
I just discovered your blog, through another blog and I am so blessed that the Lord led me here. I began by reading all your posts on Marriage Monday, the last two days. I love your insights and the way you write.
I am a big worrier too so this was a very encouraging post for me. I am learning to trust.
Caroline, thanks for your kind words. I hope you'll keep coming and offer your own insights as well. A blog is only as good as the people who participate in it.
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