“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”
—Philippians 4:6 NIV
“You watched me go under.”
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My son Jonathan accused the family surrounding him. Our outing at Bear Creek ended at the swimming area, where we splashed and swam in a shallow roped-off area. Jonathan, only four at the time, had slipped on the muddy bottom of the creek and disappeared under the water for a few seconds. He sputtered to the surface, feeling like we had watched him slide beneath the surface without lending a hand.
Good-hearted laughter rang through the air at his statement. As his mother, I treaded the water to reassure him.
“You’re okay now. I wouldn’t let anything happen to you.” He wiped the water out of his eyes and smiled. Though cautious at first, soon he was chasing and splashing his sister.
“I’m watching over you and your family.” A familiar tug on my heart reminded me that worry and anxiety over my children’s safety and well-being had reached a critical level within me. God didn’t give me children to steal my joy but to increase it.
“They’re yours.” I whispered as I stood in the shallows and once again surrendered my family to Him. He had a plan and purpose for their lives, and I could once again rest and give it all to Him.
“Try and catch me!” Jonathan’s squeals pulled me back to the family, where I joined in with a lighter heart than before.
Even though this incident happened many years ago, I still struggle at times with worry and anxiety over my family. Jesus gives me hope when I turn to Him and lay everything at His feet.
Do you struggle with anxiety or worry when it comes to your family? How do you handle times of stress or hardship?
