F. D. Adkins
One minute, life has us high in the treetops, basking in the sun, and dancing from limb to limb to the beautiful singing of the birds around us. And then, a second later, the tree goes crashing to the ground, and we are left barely hanging on.
A few weeks ago, I read, recited again and again, and memorized Philippians 4:6-7, which instructs, “Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (KJV).
As I have often shared before, my weakness is worry. I have wasted so much time in past years worrying about things out of my control and things that never happen. Exhaustion from lack of sleep caught up with me, and even though I had been reciting the words to these verses, apparently the ‘Be careful for nothing’ part was not sinking in because I found myself filled with anxiety. Yet, in the midst of my worrying fit, God sent me a message. How? I’m not talking about a roaring voice or a letter dropping out of the sky. But this message was no doubt from God.
See, as I sat trembling with worry, I received a text from a friend. I had not communicated with this friend in a few days, so she had no idea I was feeling anxious and overwhelmed, especially at that instant. When I picked up my phone, she had not typed a message but had sent a beautiful picture of a landscape with the words, “Don’t worry. God is in control,” printed in the middle. Considering the impeccable timing, her lack of knowledge concerning my stress level at that instant, and the exact words I needed to hear at that moment, I have no doubt that the text message sent by my friend was orchestrated by God.
At that moment, Philippians 4:6-7 flooded into my mind. I needed to go to God with thanksgiving and let Him worry for me.
Most of my worries carry no real weight, but yet they can feel so heavy. Sometimes, the world brings about worry and stress that is heavy. But God is in control, and if we trust Him completely, we do not have to carry it alone. The Israelites thought they were done when they got to the sea. But God parted the waters. Elijah did not want to live anymore, but God knew his real need was food and rest. God provided. The disciples thought Jesus was dead, but He had risen. Jesus paid the price and overcame death so that we could have eternal life.
God is in control. He has a plan… and His plan prevails.
“There are many devices in a man’s heart; nevertheless the counsel of the Lord, that shall stand.” Proverbs 19:21 KJV
