You are precious in my sight, and honored, and I love you. . . . Do not fear, for I am with you. —Isaiah 43:4‒5 (NRSV)
The problem was not that one of the boys was bigger than the others or that he was swinging too high; the problem was that the swing set simply wasn’t designed to hold five kids at once. I have nightmares about these things. I’m one of those parents who imagines the worst. And when my wife or anyone else tells me not to worry or quotes the Bible telling me why I shouldn’t worry, I feel like saying, “And how exactly do I do that?”
My son and four of his friends were playing outside, and I wasn’t paying close enough attention. They were enjoying themselves, and everyone seemed to be getting along. But then the swing set quite literally tipped over.
Thank God—and I mean, I thank God—the kids were all okay. You see, despite my worrying, bad things happen. I’ve learned that despite my worrying, God protects my kids. I have no doubt that God wants me to keep a watchful eye on them, and I have no doubt that God would be pleased if I trusted Him more than I do. But I also know that God cares for me and for them all the time, even though they make mistakes and I lack faith.
Thank You, God, for Your watchful eye and Your guiding hand today. I am so very thankful for both!
Pre-Order Daily Guideposts 2018Daily Guideposts 2018 offers a Scripture verse to bless each day of the year, accompanied by an inspiring story that shares the ways God speaks to us through ordinary events in life, and an original prayer to acknowledge God’s greatness and ask for His blessing. For a deeper biblical connection, you will find further reflection in the ‘Digging Deeper’ feature.
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