Sickness and pet death have started off this year. It’s usually a time full of hope and promise of better things to come. Not this year. I’m hoping this doesn’t become one of those years. The years I spend waiting for something else to happen. The years I’m ready to boot-kick out the door on December 31st. As if turning the calendar from December 31 to January 1 magically stops things from happening. I know it doesn’t, but sometimes it feels like it.

And yet…

If this is one of those years, I will trust in the Lord and his promises in scripture.

“Mary, you will bear a son…” (Luke 1:31)

“Abraham, your descendants will be like the stars…” (Gen 22:17)

“Don’t fret, for it only tends to evil.” (Psalm 37:8)

Don’t fret means to not worry. I still continue to learn this lesson as my husband travels frequently. Before each trip, my thoughts turn to “What if he doesn’t come home?” That phrase “what if” hounds me as worry creeps into my thoughts and renders me incapable of doing anything.

And yet…

I tell the worrisome thoughts to take a hike. I trust God to care for my husband on his travels and trust he will return home. When I do this, God gives me peace he will be with me through it all.

I hold onto the promises of scripture knowing they were fulfilled and trust that the God who gave Abraham thousands of descendants is the same one who takes care of me and my family. The God who promised a Messiah and fulfilled that promise has a plan for my life and will fulfill it in His timing.

“The Lord is with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9)

“The peace of God will guard your hearts and minds.” (Philippians 4:7)

“I will be with you, I will never leave you or forsake you…” (Deuteronomy 31:8)

All promises in scripture have been or will be fulfilled. I’m glad Scripture records promises and the answers. It shows God is trustworthy even if we don’t see the results. Abraham didn’t see his descendants numbering like the stars, but we do. I don’t see some promises fulfilled.

And yet…

I trust I will see my cat again in heaven. I trust Jesus to keep my husband safe during his travels.

I trust God will take care of me and my family this year, no matter what happens.

Faith Step: List the things you worry about. Give them to Jesus and trust he will handle them.