Daily Devotional

The moon was full, giving everything a soft silvery glow. So lovely. My family slept peacefully while I quietly, stepped outside. Bathed in moonlight, I walked to the middle of our backyard and stopped. The tranquil setting contrasted with my loud stormy thoughts. I was so consumed with worry, it pained me. My dear hubby would be leaving in the morning for a mission trip overseas. Questions churned my anxious thoughts. “What if the plane crashes?” “What if he gets really sick?” On and on I thought of all the terrible scenarios. I looked over at the rose bush bathed in moonlight. The sweet scent filled my lungs. A sweet reprieve from my dark thoughts.

“Let go and let God” popped into my mind. How do I let go of my husband and trust God to watch over him? The Philippians 4:6,7 cleansed my thinking.  It is a choice. Do I worry or not? The solution was so simple yet profound. Trust God. That night standing in the moonlight in my backyard I chose to trust God to watch over my husband. I prayed passionately. First, I asked God to forgive me for not trusting Him. Then I exposed all my worries to God. Peace washed away my anxiety. Thankfulness to God poured out of my heart. I walked through the moonlit yard into my house a new woman. A peaceful, trusting woman. I was ready to send my husband off on his journey in the morning with a kiss.

Since that day, there have been many times I needed to let go and let God take care of my loved ones. When my daughter left for college I needed it. When I had to give my foster kids back to a social worker, I needed it. When my dear sister was dying of pancreatic cancer, I needed it, and of course other mission trips overseas. Many a time I thought back to that night in the moonlight. Philippians 4:6,7 has been a guidepost for me to relinquish my anxiety to God.

What do you need to stop worrying about and trust God for? Perhaps your daughter’s first day of school is upsetting to you. She’s growing up so fast! You are scared because your son or daughter enlisted in the Army. With mixed emotions you congratulate your daughter for getting her driver’s license. You will definitely need God’s peace. Perhaps a family member is gravely ill. It’s so difficult to watch a loved one suffer and trust God for His will. Philippians 4:6-7 can be a steadfast beacon. Bring your worries to God and let Him infuse you with His peace. Let Him guard your mind from the worries of the world.

Do you need a moonlight visit with God?

New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. All rights reserved.