I just dropped my kids off at my in-laws house. They are taking them both on a three day excursion to a local amusement park/waterpark. When they first asked me about doing this trip, I said, "Sure! Wonderful! They will have a great time!" (Thinking to myself, three days with no children!! Wooo HOO! Just think of all of the stuff I will get done!)
Well, after dropping them off, I am a bit anxious. In my head I know they will be fine. My in-laws are responsible people, have taken care of my kids so many times, and love them to pieces. But in my heart, I am worried. I am a worrier, I admit. Even though I have come a long way in laying down my "worrying" and handing it over to God, my nature is to mull things over in my mind, creating scenarios that could happen. Does this sound familiar to any of you? I think of all the things that could possibly go wrong and how I might prevent them from happening. I think I overwhelmed my mother-in-law with all of my instructions and explanation of what I packed for them. (Did I mention that I have a bit of a control issue as well?)
So when I got home, I prayed. I prayed for their safety. I prayed for good hygiene and healthy food. I prayed that no one gets lost or sick or hurt in a freak accident. But ultimately, I prayed for God to calm my anxious heart & handed my children over to His care, knowing that He has it all under control. I heard a devotional piece on the radio today that spoke about handing over our worries to God and trusting Him for our lives and the lives of our loved ones. The speaker said our worrying does no good! It does not add one single hour to our lives. It will not change what God's plan is for us. When I worry, I try to remind myself that it really is an act of sin against God. I am showing lack of faith and trust in my creator and my redeemer.
On the way home from dropping off the kids, I heard David Crowder's newest song, "How He Loves Us" and it reminded me that nothing in this world can overpower God's love for me and His love for my children. Not even my own weaknesses of worry and control. He knows I struggle with these faults and He loves me like crazy anyway.
What can you hand over to God?
"Humble yourselves under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you." 1 Peter 5:6-7
i listened to this song on my drive home from indy tonight. it was a good reminder to me that God truly loves me (something I need reminded of daily). he loves me enough to stomp out the thoughts satan puts in my head. he loves me enough to surround me with loving and encouraging friends. he loves me enough to send his son to die in my place, pay the price for my sins. thanks for this post. it made me tear up a lot, but it was good tears
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