“Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”—Matthew 6:34

At some point this year, Matthew 6:34 will become a memory verse for me. While I know worry is a sin, it is something I struggle with on a daily basis. When I have those anxious thoughts, I am saying, “God, I don’t trust You.” 

Last year I memorized Deuteronomy 31:8 and I can emphatically say, “I am not going to be fearful or anxious because God hasn’t taken me this far to fail or abandon me.” Maybe you are worrying about a child, a job, an upcoming interview? Whatever it is, for you and for me, we have to give over our concerns to the only One who knows the outcome. 

My daughter recently graduated with a degree from UT Austin and has moved back home. She has applied to graduate programs for next fall. She feels as if she doesn’t get in then God is closing that door and she will pursue other options. I, on the other hand, have been thinking the, “what-ifs.” While I believe God’s promise to me in Deuteronomy 31:8, why was I doubting God will do the same for my daughter? With all she has been through the past few years, He is not going to fail or abandon her either. He has equipped her with the same Holy Spirit so that she can make a difference in His Kingdom, however and wherever He chooses. 

After journaling these thoughts, the next morning during my quiet time, I started flipping through my new Bible I got for Christmas. It is an NLT Inspire one that my son and daughter-in-law gave me. I really didn’t think I would be coloring in it. However, the artwork is so pretty, I found some colored pencils and started to color after reading my devotion. I have found that it helps me stay focused after my prayer time. This day, I flipped to artwork for Ezra 8:23. It said, “So we fasted add prayed that God would take care of us and He answered our prayers. I had just been praying for my daughter and God’s will for her and graduate school. 

God can and will speak to us through His Word if we are open to it. I had such peace after reading that scripture. I felt as if God was personally telling me, Lisa, I hear your prayers, and I will answer your prayers My way and in My perfect timing. No matter the age of your child, as a parent for some (that would be me), it is hard to sit on the sidelines and wait to see what is going to transpire. I want to “fix”things and make it all better, but that’s not letting God do His work in their lives.

This week, my daughter received an email letting her know she was accepted into one of her top choices for graduate school. Praise God! I have no idea if she will get accepted into any other programs, but what I do know is God spoke to me through scripture to remind me that He is in control and no amount of fret on my part is going to change His perfect plans for her.

Dear Lord,

I pray for Your will according to Your Word for Your glory. Help me to trust that You know what is best for  both me and my loved ones. Remove the spirit of worry from my heart when I have anxious thoughts. Help me to choose faith and trust over fear and worry. I thank You that You are behind the scenes and answering my prayers Your way and not mine. I know that You hear my prayers and that everything happens in Your time. Continue to open my heart to hear Your Word. I pray these things in the name of Jesus. Amen. 

“Do everything in love.” —1 Corinthians 16:14

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