There are some life chapters we could simply do without... such as suffering, loneliness, natural disasters and changes in family life.
Now, I know the biblical explanation that somehow present challenges in life prepare us for the next. 2 Corinthians 4:17 says, “These little troubles are getting us ready for an eternal glory that will make all our troubles seem like nothing.?
Sounds good, doesn’t it? Deep down I understand and believe this. But how do we make it through the present life chapter challenges? Let me get specific. If you are a parent, perhaps you have reached the stage where your oldest child leaves home for college. And as that son or daughter goes to college there is a learning curve they have to work through.
Maybe you are the kind of parent who would say, “just leave them be and they will get through it somehow.” Or maybe you are more like me. I must admit with my son going off to college, I have experienced a life chapter I would like to avoid. I’m the other kind of parent who experiences stress, wondering how my son is doing. Is he doing OK? Fear can turn some of us parents into paranoid prison guards, who feel they have to monitor things. But the question is, do we as parents have to experience this life chapter like this?
I would like to suggest, that there is a better way that will get you through this time and give your son or daughter the space they need. I don’t know where you’re at, but here is what’s working for me.
Philippians 4:6, 7 says, “Do not worry about anything, but pray and ask God for everything you need, always giving thanks. And God’s peace, which is so great we cannot understand it, will keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”
Can you imagine that? Not worrying about anything? I have found that in my circumstance that there are three things I need to do. First, I have to make a conscious choice to trust God. I have to make the focused choice to trust Him with my son. Second, I need to pray and tell God exactly what I feel and then ask Him for what I need for myself and my son. The third thing is, I need makes sure I let God know that I am thankful for what He has done, what He is doing and what He will do for my son and I.
The result? I am experiencing more of God’s peace. I still get anxious about my son, but each time that happens, I consciously turn back to my original decision to trust God and let Him take care of my son.
I don’t know what you are facing as a parent, but let’s face it - anxiety or worry have no advantages. They rob you of life. Worry gives life’s problems big shadows. Instead, choose to let God be enough. Choose to trust God... pray and ask God and then be sure to have a thankful heart. Then this life chapter for you will have peace. So give yourself a pink slip and let yourself go from your job as a parental paranoid prison guard. Consciously choose to trust God.
This column is submitted by Tri-Community Baptist Church in Beiseker.
