Why Worry? Trusting God With Tomorrow’s Unknowns
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. Psalm 34:4–5, 8
On September 11th, I intended to post something on my Facebook page, but I made the mistake of scrolling through some posts. Instead of commemorating this day and all who suffered, there were vicious attacks from everywhere about Charlie Kirk. I admit I just gave in to grief for all and turned away.
The following day, I looked forward to attending a women’s luncheon hosted by a dear, dear friend who has a talent for bringing together amazing women under her nonprofit, which is dedicated to creating community and mentoring women. She has an uncanny way of bringing people together, breaking down our walls as she devises excellent questions and asks that we share our thoughts and hearts.
Throughout our time together, we explored these profound questions, prompting us to think deeply about our lives.
As I delved into the questions, I heard a voice encouraging me to share my faith and how it is a driving force in my life. One question was, “What do you know now that a year from now you will really know?” Had to think about that. And then I knew, everything I worried about, fretted over, lost sleep from…in the end I’d be alright. To aid my memory, I recently enumerated a list of blessings that seemed to come out of nowhere…but they came from somewhere!
And it dawned on me, why do I worry? A year from now, I want to know what I know now: God is in our lives, through the valleys and the mountains. God will provide what we need and will even surprise us with a better outcome than we could have conceived. And without exception, my worry will be for naught.
I realized that not everyone I spoke with shared my perspective on faith. When I left, I thought about the many conversations I had in different groups and felt at ease expressing my faith. Yet one woman expressed the intention to begin compiling blessings. With today’s headlines continually keeping us in disarray, now is the time to share words of hope in practical ways. And as this verse says, with gentleness and respect.
To underscore this message, just a day later, the church choir sang one of my favorites.
“Here I am, Lord.”
It is I, Lord, I have heard you calling in the night. I will go, Lord, if you lead me,
I will hold your people in my heart.
Isn’t this what God is asking of us? Whom shall I send?
Can we answer and let him know we will be a light in someone’s life, knowing he will guide us.
“For I, the LORD your God, hold your right hand; it is I who say to you, ‘Fear not, I am the one who helps you.'” 1 Peter 5:6–7
