God's Got This!

When you’re 3-1/2 years old, you fear nothing. And sometimes, no one.  It seems we grow our fears as we grow up.  Last evening, I took Sophia grocery shopping with me. Normally, she is a little wiggle worm with an enchanting smile and sparkling eyes.  Last evening, she was unusually well behaved; didn’t argue too much about riding in the grocery cart; walked beside me and held my hand – not tugging to run  and helped me buckle her into the car seat in the back seat of my car.  During our little adventure, there was no need for Sophia to fear.  She was holding Mimi’s hand and she knew I would protect her.  As she grows up, she should develop healthy fears like most little girls – about strangers; crossing busy streets; first days of school; first dates. . .but for now, Mimi was there. I would protect her!

Our heavenly Father is just that way.  He holds our hand as we grow up in Him.  We may want to whine a little, pull back or tug to go faster, but He just holds our hand and gently insists that we walk beside Him.  He will keep us safe.  He promised. “For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways. In their hands they will bear you up, lest you strike your foot against a stone. You will tread on the lion and the adder; the young lion and the serpent you will trample underfoot.” (Psalm 91:11-13)

Unfortunately, though, unlike my granddaughter, I have fears. . .some are good for me.  I have a healthy fear of my heavenly Father that I do not want to displease Him. Do I practice the presence of God in my life each day? Do I let his light shine through?  What will the world be like for my children and my grandchildren in the years to come.  As I age, will I be able to continue to work and provide for my family?  Will I fall prey to “things” that plague aging adults?  With my orthopedic issues over the years, will I be able to walk and use my hands?

And then I remember. . .God’s got this!  Over the years, He lovingly wrote me a long “Letter” to remind me of just that.   I need only to pull it out and read it whenever my unfounded or unhealthy fears attempt to overwhelm me.  In Isaiah 26:3, He reminds me, “You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.” And in Philippians 4:7-8, I know that, “. . . the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus, and finally. . . whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.”
Just as I know I would never let go of my granddaughter’s hand and would protect her, I know that my Heavenly Father does the same for me – always.  I just have to hold to His hand and be reminded of His promises.  Yep, God’s got this!  -RS