In The Hiding Place, Corrie ten Boom shares the story of a time when she asked her father a question on a topic that was, unbeknownst to her, inappropriate. As I have navigated this strange and complicated week, his response has often come to mind:
 | He turned to look at me, as he always did when answering a question, but to my surprise he said nothing. At last he stood up, lifted his traveling case from the rack over our heads, and set it on the floor. |
"Will you carry it off the train, Corrie?" he said.
I stood up and tugged at it. It was crammed with the watches and spare parts he had purchased that morning.
"It's too heavy," I said.
"Yes," he said. "And it would be a pretty poor father who would ask his little girl to carry such a load. It's the same way, Corrie, with knowledge. Some knowledge is too heavy for children... For now you must trust me to carry it for you."
(ten Boom 26-27)
It has been a week of heavy things. More than I would care to admit, I have found myself trying to carry more than I can possibly bear. Then I set it down, pray again, and try not to pick it up. But with every news conference, headline, social media post, and conversation, I am tempted to carry it all again. Sometimes, I even feel obligated to worry; I feel guilty if I am not trudging around under anxiety and burdens like the rest of the world.
I found my footing this week after spending hours alone in prayer, walking my dog, and listening to a series of podcasts by my favorite author, Sally Clarkson. After listening to her most recent podcast (linked in the picture above), I created a plan to leave the burdens behind and trust more than I am right now. For me, that means putting my phone away for most of the day. No news, no social media. Because I can't solve this. I can't carry this. I don't have to- and I'm not called to, either.
Psalms 131:1-2 (pictured above) has been my anchor verse this week. Just as Reed leans on my shoulder and chatters away, oblivious to the tensions in our world, I can trust my Father to take care of me. And in his strength, I can find courage to do the small things:
- I can "build up" my home and create a place of security, peace, and beauty for my family.
-I can carry this new life inside of me, this baby boy, in a healthy body free of stress.
- I can, in God's strength, encourage and listen to my husband, friends, and family as they share their anxieties (while not carrying them with me through the rest of the day).
- I can be clothed in strength and dignity and laugh without fear of the future. (Prov. 31:25)
- I can "build up" my home and create a place of security, peace, and beauty for my family.
-I can carry this new life inside of me, this baby boy, in a healthy body free of stress.
- I can, in God's strength, encourage and listen to my husband, friends, and family as they share their anxieties (while not carrying them with me through the rest of the day).
- I can be clothed in strength and dignity and laugh without fear of the future. (Prov. 31:25)
Heavenly Father,
Oh, how I adore you. I am so thankful for you, my all-knowing, all-powerful God. You are good. You are faithful. You love me, and you love every person reading this right now.
Lord, strengthen my dear friends today. Let us remember that, in this time of uncertainty, You are never-changing. None of this is a surprise to you. We remember that this world is a broken place, only the shadow-lands of what is to come. We find comfort in knowing that you are always with us.
May our thoughts, words, and deeds reflect your character today, especially in our interactions with others. May we be filled with such peace and trust that our families will marvel at Your work in us and remember this season as a time of your great faithfulness.
We lift up our president, our national and state leaders, and others making decisions in this crisis. Give them wisdom.
We lift up our healthcare system, our nurses and doctors, and other people working hard every day to meet the needs of our society. Give them strength and health.
We lift up all those who are hurting in various ways due to the impact of this virus. Let us be your hands and feet in this broken world.
We know you are in control. We love you and we trust you, step by step.
In Jesus' name, Amen
Oh, how I adore you. I am so thankful for you, my all-knowing, all-powerful God. You are good. You are faithful. You love me, and you love every person reading this right now.
Lord, strengthen my dear friends today. Let us remember that, in this time of uncertainty, You are never-changing. None of this is a surprise to you. We remember that this world is a broken place, only the shadow-lands of what is to come. We find comfort in knowing that you are always with us.
May our thoughts, words, and deeds reflect your character today, especially in our interactions with others. May we be filled with such peace and trust that our families will marvel at Your work in us and remember this season as a time of your great faithfulness.
We lift up our president, our national and state leaders, and others making decisions in this crisis. Give them wisdom.
We lift up our healthcare system, our nurses and doctors, and other people working hard every day to meet the needs of our society. Give them strength and health.
We lift up all those who are hurting in various ways due to the impact of this virus. Let us be your hands and feet in this broken world.
We know you are in control. We love you and we trust you, step by step.
In Jesus' name, Amen
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