God, Our Ever-Present Defender
God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.—Psalm 46:1 (NIV)
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your request to God.—PHILIPPIANS 4:6 (NIV)
I knew my daughter Danielle would be okay, but would I?
Danielle had told me about her upcoming outing with her girlfriends to a farm less than an hour outside of the city for an annual sheep-shearing festival. They had all bought tickets months prior to the event. Even prior to Danielle’s diagnosis of breast cancer.
I’d spent the last four weeks with her, going to chemotherapy treatments, making sure she ate, getting her to take small walks in the apartment and trying to anticipate her needs before she asked. Often she rewarded me with a weak smile or a whisper of thanks. Now, she planned on spending an entire day on a farm with her friends without me.
I assured her that I was fine with her going, but I struggled with an anxious heart. I finally prayed, God, she was yours before she was mine, please take care of her. God reminded me that my daughter was an adult. She had been an adult longer without cancer than she’d been an adult with the deadly disease.
I knew then that we’d both be okay. I needed to let go and allow Danielle to head out for a fun day with her friends.
Thank you, Father, for helping me to let go and trust you to take care of those I love when they are out of my sight.
God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.—Psalm 46:1 (NIV)
I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.—John 10:10 (NIV)
He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.—Isaiah 40:29 (NIV)