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As I sit at my kitchen table with a hot cup of coffee in front of me, my eyes are intently focused on the snowflakes gently falling outside my patio door window. Large pine trees in a neighbour’s yard are layered with snow, some branches appearing as though they might collapse under the weight. The scene is peaceful to behold, but despite the calm I should be feeling inside, my mind is racing with plans, schedules, and challenging situations that are as yet unresolved. Do you have any of those?
Watching the snow accumulate on my patio table, and yes, it’s been snowing since yesterday, I can’t help but draw an analogy to how I allow my worries and troubles to also accumulate. The problems we face in life seem to grow faster than the foot of snow stockpiling outside, and rather than being at peace as the Lord wants for us when we trust in him, we simmer in unrest and worry. I’m not sure about you, but living this way is stressful and does not bode well for one’s health and well-being.
In Proverbs 16: 9, it says, “The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.” (ESV)
So true, and from experience, I have spent far too much time trying to plan things out instead of conceding to what God knows is best for me. Inherently, there is nothing wrong with making plans, but in the end, and despite my best ‘planning’ intentions, I often find that the Lord has better options in the long run. In other words, we can make our plans, but God has the final answer. So, how do you and I stop stressing over too many plans and start placing our complete faith and trust in Jesus Christ?
We get on our knees in prayer and ask Him to take over our lives, top to bottom, stem to stern; that’s how. Yes, we can make plans, but in the end, God tells us this: “In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” (Proverbs 3:6 ESV).
The Lord wants us to include Him in everything—every decision, every worry, every bout of anxiety, and every hope and dream for the future; all of it, nothing held back. Verse 7 and 8 of Proverbs 3, go on to say, “Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord, and turn away from evil. It will be healing to your flesh and refreshment to your bones.” (ESV). Speaking for myself, I could sure use healing to my flesh and refreshment to my tired bones. Could you? The bottom line for you and me is this. Don’t overthink everything. If what you have prayed about is God’s will, it will happen, and nothing can stop it. If it’s not, then God has a better plan. I will leave you with a verse from Romans, a Bible verse that has always been a mainstay for me whenever I become too stressed and overburdened with too many plans and uncertain outcomes:
“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28 ESV). This wonderful truth tells us that the Lord is with us always and that he always knows what is best—for you and for me! Glancing back outside, I’ve noticed the snow is lightening up, which provides a welcome reprieve from snow shoveling, and yet still reminds me to trust God more and myself less.
Paul Smyth
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