I awoke, as I have for the past few weeks, several minutes ahead of my 5:00 a.m. alarm. I checked my phone and verified that it was not time yet. But I was awake, so as has become my habit, I thumbed through my podcast library in search of someone to talk to me. As much of a loner as I am, I’m often comforted by a voice to sing me to sleep and another to talk me awake.
The host of this morning’s random pick discussed the metaverse, a virtual-reality space in which users can interact with a computer-generated environment and other users. (Don’t worry if you weren’t aware of such a thing; I had to Google it – another term we’re getting used to.) The interviewee, a social media legend, has an insatiable passion for exploring and designing the unheard-of. I listened to them ramble until I was distracted by the blaring honks of a low-flying flock of Canadian geese outside my bedroom window, followed by the musical notes of my alarm finally declaring the official start of my day.
Already, my sensory faculties have been blown up by inconceivable discoveries and the mysteries of God’s Creation, while I can’t even decide what socks to wear and struggle to find my shoes. Between the minds of great men discussing the unimaginable and the incomprehensible flight of majestic, squawking, ten-pound birds, I’m overcome by the gracious gift of life that this day offers. Every day brings new concepts to grasp, exciting people with whom to connect, creative tasks to accomplish, and extraordinary beauty to behold.
And though all of that is true, the reality is that you may be dealing with decisions or difficulties that have you feeling overwhelmed. Though we experience the goodness of God, we’re still pummeled by life’s punches and exasperated by its unstable situations. I understand.
Today, at 5:30 p.m., just over 12 hours from the time I awoke, I will leave the security of a comfortable salary, the creature comforts of an office I’ve called home for six years, and the dear people I’ve grown accustomed to seeing weekly. I’m trading that for a small studio apartment in a new-to-me city, among people I’ve yet to meet at a job I don’t yet have; I haven’t a clue. And though I’ll still have a connection with 3ABN through various outlets, things will be different because they aren’t staying the same.
I’m sure the people with whom I’ve shared my plans—or the lack of—wonder if I’ve lost my mind by doing something so drastic; not everyone shares my level of risk and discomfort. But I’m really trusting God to handle this. I’m counting on Him.
The Amplified Bible states in 1 Peter 5:7, “Casting the whole of your care [all your anxieties, all your worries, all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares for you affectionately and cares about you watchfully.” That’s the God I’m counting on. If I do my part, He’s got me.
If you haven’t yet, I invite you to give your cares to God; let Him carry the load.
Rest in the Lord, my soul;
He planned for thee thy life.
Brings fruit from rain,
brings good from pain,
And peace and joy from strife.
Rest in the Lord, my soul;
This fretting weakens thee.
Why not be still? accept His will;
Thou shalt His glory see.
~ Maltbie Babcock
