Concern, Worry, and Finding Peace

My father worried most of his life about many things, particularly whether he was good enough to enter heaven. During his last days, we tried to reassure him. We reminded him about God’s great love for us and His forgiveness of all our sins. I recounted the story of the Good Thief on the Cross and my visions of Jesus and heaven.

He remembered 1 Peter 4: 8: “And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover a multitude of sins.” We all agreed his generosity to others would nullify any failings.  

Yet, I still I worried and prayed for him to find peace. I even begged God to be good to him — and caught my breath. What was I saying, asking God to be good to him? I bowed my head, asked for forgiveness for my lapse of faith, and gave Daddy into God’s keeping. There is not a safer place than in His presence.

This holds true of everything else too.

I can be concerned about many things without carrying the burden of worry, especially after giving them to God. Who could love us more? Who would be more dedicated to giving us eternal life in a state of perfect happiness?

Daddy loved God, regretted his failings, and had asked for forgiveness. Isn’t that all God asks of us?

God granted me a blessing during my scripture readings. As I turned from the Old Testament to the Psalms, my Bible fell open to the Book of Tobias, who was famous for his generosity, just like Daddy.  

Chapter 14: 8: “And the rest of his life was in joy, and with a great increase in the fear of God he departed in peace.”

Thank you, Abba, for giving me this undeserved consolation. Your compassion and generosity are beyond my mortal understanding and expectation. I love you!