The Way of the Wildflower: Gospel Meditations to Unburden Your Anxious SoulSample

Unlike our earthly parents, God, our Father, isn’t just further ahead than us; he is the Alpha and Omega, “the first and the last, the beginning and the end” (Revelation 22:13). He holds all time and knows all things. He orchestrates all of creation and writes every story. As a parent, I can do my best, but I cannot control everything. When God promises to be with you, to be your God, and to help and hold you, it is a promise that comes with his authority as the Lord of all.

I don’t know who said it first, but it’s a true and memorable saying: “Today is the tomorrow you were so worried about yesterday.” It’s a reminder that our fear and worry about tomorrow doesn’t prevent tomorrow’s arrival. Our worry doesn’t change God’s care and protection over our tomorrow; it only robs us of peace today. Which I think is why Jesus so clearly taught, “Do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own” (Matthew 6:34 niv). . . .

No matter what future concern causes present fear, I know this to be true: The antidote to fear isn’t more confidence in yourself; it’s assurance in a God who holds your future safely in his hands. You and I need the promise and presence of a trustworthy Father more than we need a perfectly mapped-out plan.

So have you taken him at his word? Have you looked closely at how he goes with you, how he is present, and how he is your help when you can’t hold or control your future? Our God is the God of yesterday and tomorrow, so you and I can trust him both to navigate and carry us through the unknowns we face today.

Snowdrop

Galanthus nivalis

Snowdrops—white, bell-shaped flowers—are symbols of hope and harbingers of spring as they literally pop up through the snow. How do these little flowers survive the cold, snow, and even ice? Built-in protection given to them by their Creator. Snowdrops have literal antifreeze proteins designed to protect them in extremely cold temperatures.

When you feel fear creeping in, may the snowdrop remind you: Do not fear. Your Creator will provide for your strength and protection too.

Prayer

Father, I am so grateful that I can lay everything at your feet because you are fully in control. Thank you for protecting me and for taking care of me now and always. Amen.