The tiny Toyota zoomed off. Just a minute before, my John, 16 years old and armed with a driver’s license, had smiled that lovable goofy grin and reassured me. “It’s gonna be OK, Mom.”
This man-boy comforting me. What a switch. Am I ready for this change? It had always been me kissing his boo-boos, telling him “It’s gonna be OK,” making his lunches.
I want to handle change well but it’s tough
when your youngest goes to the big big high school
and you daydream the day he came home
so little, so so little.
Will the high school swallow him and spit him out? I wonder.
Will a jerk stuff him in the locker? Will he lose his keys? Or his lunch or school ID? Will the car start? Will he make it home in one piece?
Is It Wrong to Worry?
Me? A worry wart? Every since God freed me from a paralyzing phobia, I had figured I had licked anxiety. But maybe not. This change — my youngest driving to high school — unsettled my heart. Am I afraid to trust him to navigate an ever confusing world?
Perhaps I felt anxious because he’s my youngest? Or that my eldest recently married? Or my middle child is off at college and found a guy and love.
As I danced with the sin of worry, God reminded me of this Scripture:
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. (Phil. 4:6-7, NIV)
Does a Bible verse speak to you when you feel nervous? Or out of sorts? Which one helps you handle change well?
God Works in Hearts
Do you see how God worked in my heart? He reminded me of his Word. His Word exudes power. 2 Timothy 3:16-17
He works in you too, reminding you that he is in control and he is good, helping you to love him and love others.
I considered the verse phrase by phrase. Like this:
Do not be anxious about anything
Anything? Yes!
I have a choice. I can choose my selfish way and worry about my son — or you your college kid and cute kindergartner — and deny God’s care for him.
Easier said than done!
Do you have trouble believing God too? When do you dismiss his promises?
Now another phrase:
With thanksgiving, present your requests to God
Did you catch “with thanksgiving”?
God wants you and me to come to him with all of your trials and triumphs. He also desires an attitude of thanksgiving. We can thank him for the trial. James 1:2-4
Yes!
We can thank him for his answer to our request — whether the answer is yes, no, or wait. God is near. He hears. He cares.
But What If I Still Worry?
If I still worry, will God hate me? Some of us wonder. No! God loves messies, like you and me. He knows you try and you fail, and you try again. He gets it. He gets you.
When you catch yourself worrying over a life change like a kid going to a new school, pray. Or a child marrying. Or a new job or home or health problem.
Pray with thanksgiving.
Pray with confidence.
Pray with power.
Tell God that you want to stop worrying and start trusting and he will help you! He’ll help you exchange fear for fatih.
And when you mess up again, talk to God. He never tires of your plea.
He loves loves loves you! You are his precious child.
