Trust the Lord Completely

August 5, 2001

Worry is the interest paid on imaginary trouble. Worry distracts, torments, occupies and possesses. Worry allows the enemy of our souls to stir up all kinds of scenarios. The "what ifs" begin and it becomes a never ending saga.

Philippians 4:6-7 is such a comfort to me: "Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." (NRSV)

The world is full of problems. Who among us has the wisdom to solve them? There is only one source. It is found in James 1:5: "If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him." (NIV)

Worry comes with fear. Worry is saying "God, this is too big for you." God spoke the world into existence and yet He isn't big enough to handle our problems?

Worry occupies the stressful mind and interferes with relationships and leads to all sorts of health problems. If God knows the number of hairs on a head, He is aware of His children's needs.

Fifty years ago, I was tempted to worry about my "knight in shining armor." He was hard for me to catch, but God had a plan.

Forty years ago, I was tempted to worry about my children. They had bouts with fevers, sore throats and accidents. God had a plan for them too. Thirty years ago I was tempted to worry about doing my best as a teacher. The Lord granted me 31 wonderful years of teaching and the health to perform my job.

Twenty years ago, I was tempted to worry about "being over the hill" and that my husband would no longer find me attractive. Then I discovered "the hidden beauty of the heart." Besides, growing older is a natural process. There is only one alternative to growing older and God decides the time.

Ten years ago I was tempted to worry about retirement. What could I do to still feel useful? The Lord has blessed me beyond belief. Writing for Him has become my passion. Writing this column for the last eight years has stretched my faith and has brought opportunities I could never have dreamed of. I am forever thankful.

Through the years, all of my worrying would have been utterly useless. Yes, there were concerns. Loved ones had serious illnesses. Sons had accidents. My husband had five major surgeries, but God never left. He was with me then and He will be with me now. He does the same for you. He will never leave you nor forsake you.

So if I could say one thing that can change your life, it would be Proverbs 3:5-6 in The Living Bible translation: "If you want favor with both God and man, and a reputation for good judgment and common sense, then trust the Lord completely; don't ever trust yourself. In everything you do, put God first, and he will direct you and crown your efforts with success."