Safe

Image by skalekar1992 from Pixabay

“In peace will I both lay me down and sleep; For you, Jehovah, alone make me dwell in safety.” Psalm 4:8. 

I know worry is a lack of faith and trust in God’s promises. Once prayed and given to God, I shouldn’t let my concerns keep me up at night. 

God promised us he would save us until it’s time to leave this earth. Even that’s nothing to fear. Well, maybe how we leave is a concern, but we don’t need to worry about that until the time comes. God will send the grace we need to endure whatever form that takes — when it happens. 

“Hearken unto me, O house of Jacob, and all the remnant of the house of Israel, that have been borne by me from their birth, that have been carried from the womb; and even to old age I am he, and even to hoar hairs will I carry you; I have made, and I will bear; yea, I will carry, and will deliver.” Isaiah 46:3-4. 

Reflecting on these scriptures, I realized I applied these promises to me, but had not done so with family and friends. I had it in my head that if I worried enough and prayed enough, I could keep them safe. Isn’t that silly? 

“And which of you, by being anxious, can add a cubit unto [a] the measure of his life? If then ye are not able to do even that which is least, why are ye anxious concerning the rest? Consider the lilies, how they grow: they toil not, neither do they spin; yet I say unto you, Even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. But if God doth so clothe the grass in the field, which to-day is, and to-morrow is cast into the oven; how much more shall he clothe you, O ye of little faith? And seek not ye what ye shall eat, and what ye shall drink, neither be ye of doubtful mind. For all these things do the nations of the world seek after: but your Father knows that ye have need of these things.” Luke 12:25-30. 

If I post these scriptures on my nightstand and read them every morning and night, they will remind me God’s in control over all lives, including mine. 

Dear Lord, you are so good to me, more than I deserve. I ask for the grace to trust you with everything and everyone in my life. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

 

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!