by Gina Caswell Kelly
It has been a tough week “varmint-wise” around here. I think I have mentioned before my ongoing battle with rabbits. They are nothing but rats with a pretty good press agent, if you ask me! They eat all my plants and leave unwelcome deposits all over my yard. I have tried everything to get rid of them, even to the point of beaning them with golf balls. They show me no respect anymore. I walk out and they just look at me. One morning I woke up to the sight of one-half of a rabbit in my driveway. The only thing worse than finding a rabbit in your yard is finding a half of a rabbit. Apparently I had a coyote during the night. I will have to tell you, he did not eat the meatiest end of that rabbit! Yesterday I was running my weed eater and a little tiny baby jumped out and took off. He had no more than started to run when a snake came jumping out of the tall grass and grabbed him! Oh it was a horrific sight! Later I saw the snake lying behind my air conditioner unit with a rather large belly area. I knew what had happened. Then this morning, what did I see when I awoke? A scorpion on my bedroom floor! Country living is the life for me! Maybe.
Life isn’t always that exciting out here, but there are new adventures everyday. That is the way life is for all of us. Each day brings something new. Lately, we wake up to a world of unknowns in so many areas. We just don’t know what to think or do. We all have problems that nag at us no matter what we do. Rabbits, let’s say, that keep us awake at night. Coyotes that sneak into our minds and steal our peace. Even thoughts like snakes preying on us and leaving us always looking around. It is enough to keep you up all night long. Trust me. I know this is true.
But, for the Christian, these momentary afflictions, as the Bible calls them, can only steal our peace if we are not trusting wholly in the Father for His guidance and care in these troubling times. I was talking to a young man this morning who was facing a challenge. My advice to him is the same as my advice to you. Open your hands. Give God your worries and your concerns. Take some time to visit with Him daily. He really wants that. Sure He sees and knows all, but He really does like to hear from His kids. I love it when my phone rings and it is one of my kids or my grandkids. I love when they want to talk to me. I love when I am able to help meet their needs. It is the same with God. He doesn’t like to see His kids worried and upset. He wants to bring you peace.
In John 14, Jesus says, “Let not your heart be troubled. You believe in God, believe also in Me.” He goes on and says, “Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you. Not as the world gives peace. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” He was talking to the disciples just prior to His crucifixion. He knew they were going to be confused and afraid. So one of the last gifts He gave them was the gift of peace. The same gift He is giving us.
Let not your heart be troubled, when you don’t know where to turn or what to do next. The Father is waiting to help you and guide you. You just need to trust Him. Trust Him completely and with all things. Open your hands! Give it all to Him. It will make the difference!
