September 12, 2018

God Sustains Us

Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he, I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you.

– Isaiah 46:4

Some seasons are just hard. Some days seem to never end. Some times life seems so meaningless. Some hours we struggle to breath. And then it gets better.

I look around and see so much suffering and heartache. As I write this, coastal areas in South Carolina and North Carolina are evacuating. A catastrophic hurricane is headed toward those beautiful states. I know what’s coming. I’ve been where they are. High winds. Flooding. Buildings destroyed. Roads wiped away. And power out for a long time. I pray for those in harms way. And I pray for those first responders who are already there and the ones who will soon be heading into the aftermath.

We are blessed that way. Those who go toward disaster are amazing people. In my own community, there are groups specially trained in disaster relief. They can cook for the masses. They can cut up downed trees. They can rip out wet carpet and wipe down mold from walls. They can rebuild. And they can give hugs, offer prayers, and wipe tears. They go where they’re needed.

I watch a sweet friend struggle through the days that follow sudden death. Her husband was too young to die. He was supposed to be okay. He’s supposed to be at home with her and their kids. I know. He’s in heaven and having a joyous time. But she’s here and it hurts. The emptiness never really goes away. And none of us can really help her. We can love her. We can send cards and offer hugs. But we can’t erase the pain that rests in her broken heart.

And yet her faith is amazing. She clings tightly to Jesus, showing all of us what it means to let Him carry you when you are too overwhelmed to take another step. She continues to reach out to others. She gives of herself to ministries they supported. She is an example of goodness. We are blessed to be part of her journey.

It’s just so easy to focus on the bad. It’s easy to forget that while there are some awful things happening right now, there are also some pretty amazing things happening too. And while there are some pretty awful people around, there are some pretty amazing people around too.

Focus on what’s good and right. That’s what the Bible tells us. We have a choice to think about good things or to think about the bad. Choose the good and watch how it multiplies.

A friend asked me yesterday if I was worried about something I face. Honestly? No. Do you know why? Because Jesus was right when He said that no amount of worrying can or will add another day to my life. I’m not in control. God is. Whatever is going to happen, will happen. Worrying won’t change it. But worrying would steal the peace I have today.

I have always loved this verse from Isaiah. When times get tough and I’m not sure I can face the days ahead, I remember that God made me. I belong to Him. And He will help me and sustain me. He will carry me when I am too weak to take another step. And He will love me no matter what.

That’s the hope I cling to when I am overwhelmed. I pray it’s the hope the folks evacuating from the hurricane will cling to as well. No amount of worrying will change what’s to come. We can only pray for strength to handle the aftermath. And we can look around and find joy in the helping hands God sends to carry us when times are tough.

April 3, 2016

Trusting God

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, 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

This is one of my favorite passages of Scripture. Some days I don’t know why. I am an expert at worrying, something that is sadly distressing to me.

I read one of those Facebook graphics recently that said worry indicates that you don’t trust God. I thought about that for a moment. It’s true, you know. It really is. When I’m worried about something, it means that I either don’t believe God can handle or I don’t believe God will handle it.

None of us can control all the circumstances around us. Other people make choices and, whether we like it or not, we are left with the consequences. And the uncertainty. The list of things we can’t control seems endless.

But we can control how we react to the stresses of life. We can turn our worries into prayer. “God I am so worried that my child is mixed up with the wrong crowd. Please keep him close and protect him.” Or “God I scared my job will be eliminated. How will I feed my family? Please provide for us.”

Then what? Leave it with Him. That’s really where I face the greatest challenge. I give it to God. And then I take it back. Again and again and again. Truly, it as though I’ve got to fix it because surely He either won’t or He’s decided to wait awhile. I’m not good at waiting.

There you go. I’m not good at waiting. I not only want God to fix whatever it is, I want Him to do it right now! God’s timeline and mine are rarely the same. But you know what? He’s always right on time. Always. Never late. Never early. Always right. You would think I would learn to just let it go and trust that He’ll do whatever is necessary when the time is right.

Trusting God is a conscious choice. It is knowing that He loves us. It is believing that He will always turn bad to good if we will give it to Him. It is leaning into His embrace and letting His strength carry us when we are too tired to take another step.

Worry doesn’t belong in the hearts and minds of God’s children. He’s got this. Really. He does. So let Him keep it.

Friday, March 16, 2012

Trust God With The Details

“Yet you have forgotten the LORD, your Creator, the one who put the stars in the sky and established the earth. Will you remain in constant dread of human oppression? Will you continue to fear the anger of your enemies from morning till night?” -- Isaiah 51:13

What did you worry about today? Oh, come on! I know you worried about something. Almost everyone does. It doesn’t change anything. Worry doesn’t solve problems. But we do it anyway.

I worry about the future. I’m not alone in that. Some people worry about affording retirement. Others worry about paying the rent or mortgage. Still others are concerned about providing for their children.

Sometimes worry can motivate us. In that way, it’s not always bad. Worry can motivate someone to get a better job or save more money. But worry can also destroy our health and our relationships. Worry becomes the focus rather than people.

I’ve come to realize that worry doesn’t change anything because I can’t change those around me. I can only work on me. And what I want most of all is to follow God and do His will. So why do I worry so much about what other people think or what other people want from me?

But I do. Don’t you? We want people to like us. We want to have friends. We want our families to love us. We want to be smart and successful and valued by others. And it doesn’t happen, well, it hurts.

People can just be so unpredictable. Just when you think things are going well, something else pops up. Most of us have had someone like that in our lives at one time or another. I once had a boss who said one thing when she meant another. And not just to me. Another person asked her about it. She just chuckled but didn’t offer an explanation. I’ve always believed it was a power thing fueled by insecurity.

It doesn’t really matter. I tried to please her. Others tried to please her. No one could. She wasn’t an awful person. She just didn’t have a clue. I learned a valuable lesson about trying to please impossible people. Don’t even try.

When it comes down to it, we need only please God. If we do His will, everything will be fine. It doesn’t mean we won’t have rough waters. We will. But we’ll be headed in the right direction and we’ll be supported by the Creator of the universe.

So stop worrying about things you can’t change and people who will never be satisfied. Focus your time and attention on God. He’s got your back. Trust Him.

Wednesday, March 7, 2012

Faith As Small As A Mustard Seed

One day the apostles said to the Lord, “We need more faith; tell us how to get it.” -- Luke 17:5

Have you ever had one of those days? Of course you have. Everybody does. The world seems to be crashing down around you, pulling you in a zillion different directions, and you really don’t know which way to go or what to do. It’s called life.

I know things will all work out and everything will be okay. I know that. Then why do I sometimes panic? Why do I worry? Why do I doubt? God has promised to be with me and care for me. It really will turn out just fine.

Except when it doesn’t. That’s the nagging seed that eats away at me. I know that horrible things can happen with no warning. I know that you can do everything right and still end up lost and alone. And I know how easily dreams shatter and life changes.

I realize God is with me. He never leaves me alone to fend for myself. That gives me comfort. And while I certainly know He is all-powerful and in control, I also realize that He gave humans free will. That’s scary. Because just as I make mistakes every day, so does everyone else. And sometimes those mistakes have devastating consequences.

I probably worry for nothing. Why borrow trouble, as the old cliché goes? Just take one day as it comes and deal with it. Then face tomorrow when the alarm clock shatters the early morning silence.

Faith doesn’t have to be big to be real. It can be as small as a mustard seed.

“Even if you had faith as small as a mustard seed,” the Lord answered, “you could say to this mulberry tree, ‘May God uproot you and throw you into the sea,’ and it would obey you!” -- Luke 17:6

So I cling to that just as I once clung to a gold necklace that carried a mustard seed in a small enclosure. It had a little metal piece attached that said, “If you have faith as a mustard seed, nothing shall be impossible unto you.” I wore it every day for many, many years until one day it broke and the mustard seed fell out. Sort of like my faith on days when I can’t see the hope I know is really there.

But I cling to those words and the promise of Jesus. I know that I will have strength for this day. And tomorrow, well, tomorrow will bring whatever it will bring. And I will have strength for it as well. And if I don’t? Well, God will carry me until I do.

That is the faith that I have. Small as a mustard seed or mighty as a lion. I stand on a rock that will not fail and I cling to the One who will never, ever fail me.

Saturday, January 28, 2012

Trust God To Take Care Of You

The LORD is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him; -- Lamentations 3:25

What are you trusting God for today? What seems impossible to you without His hand guiding the way? What hope are you holding on to as you face the ups and downs of life?

So often we only view our problems, our issues, our challengers through our own eyes. We don’t stop to consider how they seem to God. We waste countless hours worrying about things we can’t control. We are filled with despair because we see no way out, no hope for a better tomorrow.

We seek God’s advice. We want Him to tell us what to do. We plead with Him, asking again and again for our Father to point us in the right direction. Silence. We become more frantic and still nothing happens. We gain no insights.

Sometimes, we forge ahead without waiting for God’s direction. We’ve determined that we must act and since God doesn’t seem to be responding, we’ll just do what we think is best. That’s what is known as a recipe for disaster. The Bible is filled with admonitions to wait for the LORD. And we need to do just that, no matter how difficult it is at times.

What would happen if we changed the wording of our prayer? Instead of asking God what He wants us to do, simply ask God what He’s planning to do. Trust God to take care of whatever is going on, in His own time and in His own way. Stop trying to control what you cannot control and hand it all over to Him.

Several years ago some dear friends were desperate for a child of their own. They’d gone through fertility treatments and moved on to adoption. They were set to adopt a beautiful baby boy. Or so they thought. They had a photo and a name. They’d met the birth mother. It was all a go -- except it wasn’t. The horrible truth is they were never going to have the opportunity to even hold that baby. He was adopted by somebody else.

The emotional trauma devastated them. The result? They gave up. And they gave it to God, telling Him that if He wanted them to have children He would have to provide them. And He did. First came the two boys. And then a third boy came on the same day they got a baby girl. Blessings multiplied when they gave it to God.

We could learn something wonderful from that story. God takes care of His own. He knows our heart’ desires. He wants what is best for us in all circumstances. And He’ll make sure we get it -- when He’s ready and when we’re ready.

So turn whatever troubles you have over to His capable hands. Stop trying to work it out for yourself. Trust that God loves you. That you’re going to be okay. And that He’ll make sure you have everything you need, exactly when you need it.

Friday, December 2, 2011

Give God Control and Stop Worrying

Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him; do not fret when men succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes. Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret -- it leads only to evil.

-- Psalm 37:7-8

How often do you worry about something? Anything? Do you worry about money? Do you worry about the safety of your children? Do you worry about what to take to the church potluck dinner?

You don’t really trust God, do you? You don’t trust him to provide for you If you did, you wouldn’t worry.

I’ve always been a worrier. I’ve joked that I should start a business offering to pay people to worry for them. I try not to worry. I know I’m not supposed to but I can’t seem to help myself.

Then God told me why I’m such a worrier: control. Excuse me? I never would have paired worry with control until God told me I was focusing on the wrong issue. No wonder I can’t seem to stop worrying.

I don’t see myself as a person who needs to be in control. In fact, that’s laughable in many ways. I don’t control much of anything in my life right now -- whether it’s when I wake up or how I spend my day. All my time seems to be spent on doing for others. I am most definitely not in control of my life.

But neither is God. Maybe I should put that another way. God is in control but most of the time I live my life as though He isn’t. Why worry about others, about needs and desires, about things I can’t control? And why worry about the impact of others on my days? Certainly I can’t control them and worrying means I’m not trusting God to take care of it all.

I don’t know if it’s possible to live life without worrying about anything. I don’t know if I can give everything over to God’s control and trust Him to handle not just the big issues of my life but the smaller ones as well. I want to. And mostly I think I do. But then I worry, I show that I don’t trust God at all.

So I’m making a promise to God and myself to turn it all over to Him -- everything. I’m sure I’ll slip up. I know I’ll still worry sometimes. I’ve spent a lifetime doing it and I’m not so naïve as to think I can just stop without any slipups. I have to chuckle even as I write that. God can do anything and I can do anything with Christ, who strengthens me.

Monday, July 19, 2010

Embrace God's Gift Today

"Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." -- Matthew 6:34

I am good at imagining what could happen tomorrow. Sometimes I get so focused on tomorrow, and all the tomorrows after it, that I forget all about today. So I miss God's blessings for this time and this place because of something that might never be.

I know I'm a worrier. It's something I work on every day and probably always will. I know it doesn't help. I know it's a waste of time. I know Jesus said not to worry and I want so much to do what Jesus said. Then Satan's voice enters my mind, conjuring up all those "what ifs" that haunt my nightmares. And there I go again.

I want to be the person who lives in the moment. I want to enjoy this day as it unfolds, relishing the simple pleasures God has granted to me. It's not that I'm against planning ahead. I just don't want to worry about catastrophes that may never happen. I want to see the brilliant rainbow. I want to read that terrific book. I want to make that phone call and laugh and pray and do all those things I'm called to do right now.

Tomorrow may or may not happen. And what I fear may or may not come to pass. But I can embrace today for the joy it brings and trust God to help me with whatever tomorrow has in store for me.

Saturday, January 23, 2010

Seek God on Those Sleepless Nights

"I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety." -- Psalm 4:8

A friend of mine confessed one day that this is her favorite passage in all the Bible. She repeats it to herself on those black nights where sleep will not come. She is a widow of many years. Her days are filled with children and grandchildren, volunteer activities and church. She is quick to laugh and gracious with her hugs. But in the night, when she is alone except for her dogs, is when she feels the aloneness of widowhood the most.

This Bible passage reminds her that God is with us always. In the stillness, He is there. In the turmoil, He is there.

Another woman I know once lamented the sleepless hours she spent worrying about adult children. I asked this Christian lady if she ever rose from her bed and sought God. Did she pray on those nights she couldn't sleep? Did she read scripture? Her eyes widened and her mouth dropped open. I don't think it had ever occurred to her to do either or both of those things. She covered it well, lashing out at me. How could I understand when I never had children?

She's right. I don't understand. Her adult children are her points of worry. Mine are something else entirely. Yours are likely something else. We all have our issues that keep us up at night. The question is not whether they occur, because they do happen to all of us. The question is what we do about it. Do we fret for hours or do we turn to the One who can actually help? The One who will understand? The One who can either fix our problems or give us peace within the storm?

We have a choice. We can embrace our worries or we can do something about them. As for me, I'd much rather sleep in peace with God.

Worry Worry Worry

"So do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring worries of its own. Today's trouble is enough for today." -- Matthew 6:34

I once joked about opening a business dedicated to worrying for other people. I figured I worried so much for myself and those around me, that it wouldn't be a great stretch to worry for others. I wouldn't even have to charge by the hour. I could charge in 15 minute increments. That way other people could get on with their lives while I did the worrying for them. How sad is that?

I'm better now. Not completely free of this horrible sin but I'm actively working on it. It makes no sense to worry about things that may or may not happen. God does have a way of taking care of my needs -- just like He promised. Besides, how can I possibly know what tomorrow will bring? I don't even really know what to worry about. Only He knows. Worrying about a future I can't control is a waste of time and energy.

I know. Be prepared. Save. Spend. Take care of yourself. This is what the world preaches to us. Some of that is necessary. We need to eat. We need shelter. We need transportation to jobs and school. But if we work and do His will, He will provide what we need. Maybe not in the way we would choose or to the degree we would prefer, but He will provide. It's called letting go of what we can't control and trusting that He who can control it will take care of us. That makes worrying totally unncessary -- no matter how hard it is to let go.

Trust and Be Thankful

Trust in the Lord and do good;

dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture.

Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart.

Psalm 37:3-4

We are a thankful family right about now. My uncle's surgery on Friday was a success. The doctor's think they removed all the cancer. We won't know for sure until later but he is home and resting. God has surely blessed us.

We so often call on the Lord when our hearts are breaking and the hurt resides deep within us. We reach out and He is there. Always. Then when He answers our prayers, we quickly move on. Sometimes we forget to say thank you. The good that comes our way comes from His Glory and His Mercy. Just as we cry out in pain, so should we sing His praises in joy. For He is true and faithful, a safe haven for us all.

Peace In Trying Circumstances

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. Phillippians 4:6-7

The theme of worry and anxiety runs rampant in my world right now. I am reminded again and again of how little we control about our lives. I am so thankful that God is in control of everything. That He has a plan. That all will be okay.

My uncle is having his third cancer surgery Friday. My friend will have his second cancer surgery in the next week or so. Another friend is nearing the end of his earthly life. It is frightening to realize that we have no control over death. Then I remember that Jesus defeated death. I am so grateful for his sacrifice. But I am scared nonetheless.

I cry out for strength and it comes. He promised to be with me no matter what. We are His children and He cares for us. So I reach blindly through my tears and grasp at His solid rock. He pulls me up and I am surrounded by His peace.

I do not know what the coming days and weeks will bring. But I will continue to pray to the one who hears me, the one who controls the outcome of all our days and nights. I will ask Him to surround those I care about with His love and His strength and His peace. God never said we wouldn't have difficult journeys. I do know that. I also know that His plan is perfect and it is in His will that I and those I love will find peace to handle whatever happens.

Worry. Worry Not.

So do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring worries of its own. Today's trouble is enough for today. Matthew 6:34

It amazes me that the one thing I can do exceptionally well is something the Bible says we're not supposed to do. You got it. I worry. A lot. I can worry about anything. I once thought about opening up a business. I figured people could pay me to do their worrying for them, so they could get on with their lives. It had tons of potential. Of course, I never did it. I worried that everyone would think I'd lost my mind. Or that people prefer to do their own worrying. Or...you get the point.

I don't know why I worry. It doesn't change a thing. And that is exactly what Jesus tells us in the Bible. Worrying doesn't pay bills, heal the sick or mend broken fences. It just saps time and emotional energy from an already stressful situation. It hinders the solution, so to speak.

I'm really working on not worrying so much. And it's driving the people around me nuts. I'm simply trying to stay focused on what God has called me to do. I figure He'll take care of the details. When He's in charge, what do I have to worry about? Nothing. Absolutely, nothing.