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On my way to work this morning, my heart felt particularly heavy. Adding to the gloom, the sky was loaded with an ugly concoction of dreary grey clouds—and it was raining. And not withstanding the fact that I had not slept well the night before, a legion of thought-provoking rabbit-holes were compounded as I navigated the busy streets during the hectic morning commute.
As a believer in Jesus Christ, I realize that I am not supposed to be worrying. I should be trusting that God has every detail under his control and each burden firmly embedded in the palms of his very capable hands. But, as a human being, I admit there are times when my faith is not up to par. Yes, I could use the prayer, please and thank-you. As I skipped through channels on my car radio, I settled on a local Christian station that was playing an uplifting mix of praise and worship songs, which admittedly was the tonic my soul needed.
Praying while driving—with my eyes wide open I should add—words from the chorus grabbed my attention and the lyrics prompted me to sit up higher in my seat as if that would somehow improve my hearing. As the song played, these words repeated several times.
“In Thee I put my trust. Never be afraid. I trust in you.”
At that point, a lava-flow of emotion welled up in my heart, and yes; my eyes filled with tears as God reminded me that my concerns can be laid at the foot of the cross, and I can step away. Easier said than done, you might think? Absolutely true my friend. I get it. But Jesus wants to carry our burdens and does not want us to be afraid when the seas become too rough, and we are overcome by fear.
“In You, O Lord, I put my trust; Let me never be ashamed; Deliver me in Your righteousness. Bow down Your ear to me, Deliver me speedily; Be my rock of refuge, A fortress of defense to save me.” (Psalms 31:1-2 NKJV)
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10 NIV)
Admittedly, driving with tears in your eyes is not easy, not withstanding the fact that other drivers stare at you funny. Still, it was during that moment of, by myself in the car, silence, that God used music to speak to my heart as a way of reminding me of His unfailing love and care—a subtle way of saying, “I’ve got this, Paul. You need not worry. Trust me with your life, family, and work. All of it. I will take care of everything in due time.”
Why am I telling you this story? As mentioned before, my faith is not perfect. But it is a work in progress. And it never ceases to amaze me how God shows up at just the right time to remind me that I am to simply place my faith and trust in Him.
Can you do the same my friend? How about we work on that together? I will be praying for you.
“Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I entrust my life.” (Psalms 143:8 NIV)
Paul Smyth
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
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