It’s hard not to worry about those we love the most. When our children are young, we parents can shield and protect them from harmful influences. We have the opportunity to steer and guide them and say “no” when we suspect they’re making a poor choice..

But when they grow up and strike out on their own, all that changes. They have the freedom to make their own decisions, whether we agree with them or not.

THE CONCERT

I discovered this in a very real sense recently when my sons decided to attend a concert that I wasn’t thrilled about them going to. The song lyrics were not in conjunction with their Christian upbringing, and I was certain the atmosphere would not be either. Then there was the late-night travel when so many drunk drivers are on the road.

My head filled with all sorts of concerns–the main one being that they might allow themselves to be pulled into the world’s way of thinking. I realized then, I had a choice. I could lie awake the night of the concert and worry or I could entrust my boys to the Lord, Who is capable of caring for them far better than I ever could.

COME ALL WHO ARE WEARY

A couple of days prior to the concert, I read Matthew 11 where in verses 28-30 Jesus says, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

As I dwelt on those verses, the Lord gave me an image of a huge ox (Him) yoked with a little donkey (me) pulling a hefty cart. The ox’s muscles were taut as it pulled nearly the entire load, while the donkey paced alongside unburdened.

Until that moment, I don’t think I had a full grasp of what those verses mean. But that image of the ox and donkey demonstrated to me how powerful God is, and that, if we will only entrust our burdens to Him, He will pull in our behalf.

SWEET RELEASE

I held onto that image and those verses the night of the concert. Instead of a sleepless night of worry, I rested well, knowing the Lord was looking after the physical and spiritual well-being of my sons. What joy and sweet release to have the Lord carry my load for me.

Have you ever let worry get the best of you? What or who do you need to entrust into the Lord’s capable hands?

INSPIRING READS

Stories of faith and resilience on the Midwest prairie & the Civil War Era

Inspirational Historical Romance

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