God Gives You Rest

I worry. I never even considered myself a worrier until I had children. I suppose it is mostly because my husband and I are wholly responsible for our children. It is solely up to us to teach them, guide them, mold them into good, solid, refined people with quality character that truly love our Lord and want to live their lives to shine for Him. And that is up to me and my husband to do that. I worry that I will fail in guiding them. I worry that I will shield them in this sometimes difficult world too much, or not enough. I worry about them falling and getting hurt physically and I worry about their little hearts getting hurt by friends. I worry about letting go too early … or too late. I worry.

But, what gives me hope, is that when I give my worries and anxiety to God, He takes care of us. He is a loving God and wants and waits for us to “cast all our cares on Him because He cares for us.” (1 Peter 5:7)

I pray for both my children to have a heart for loving the Lord, and also that God will lead and guide us in teaching them all about God’s grace and wondrous ways. I pray that my and my children’s hearts, speech, and actions will honor Him and bring all glory to God, although I know that I often do not live up to my own expectations. What if I fail? What if I lead them down a wrong path? But the important thing is that I pray about it. I know I am not alone. And God knows the desires of my heart.

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart;

do not depend on your own understanding.

Seek His will in all you do,

and He will show you which path to take."

Proverbs 3:5-6

How encouraging is this?! God truly loves us so much and He cares about every aspect of our lives. He wants to take care of us. He sent His only son to die on the cross so that we may live and sin. That is love. So, if you are feeling down, overwhelmed, or discouraged, not matter how great or small, God cares. Psalm 46:1 says that “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.”

He will give you rest and peace on your heart. Trust in Him. Give it to Him. And do not worry.