PROVERBS 3:5–8
Stress seems to fill my life. It’s that physics test I have tomorrow and that massive zit on my forehead that just will not go away. Some days I feel like I’m under this shadow of commitments and responsibilities that I can’t fulfill. Then I read this Proverb and wonder what it really means to “trust in the Lord with all [my] heart.” Does it mean freaking out when I have a big paper due the next day? Does it mean staying up until 11:30 p.m. working on homework and then waking up at 6:30 a.m. to squeeze in some more? Does it mean taking that stress out on my family and friends? Is that trusting God? No. It means casting all my cares at the foot of the cross. It means that I have to give up chose precious controls that I always try and hang on to. I constantly find myself thinking, If I try a little bit harder, I can get this done! Notice the key word: “I.” Every day I try and rely on myself, my own strength, to get me through, and every time I fail and end up exhausted and frazzled. Over the years, I have come to realize that anxiety has everything to do with trust. Verse 6 tells us that if we place our trust in God, he will make our paths straight. He will be our strength. Try this: Every morning when you wake up, pray and commit your day to God. Give over to Him all your worries and concerns, and trust Him to take care of it all.
Grace Bricker, 16, Jonathan Edwards Academy, Greenfield, MA
Life is so stressful! That’s why I’m so thankful
I have a mighty God to turn to!