Mark 5:36

I had a good cry in the early morning darkness, as my daughter and wife drove off. They were just starting their 2,500+ mile drive across the country so my daughter could start her first full-time job after college. Although dropping her off at college four years earlier was an emotionally loaded moment, this felt … different; more permanent.

And so, I kept crying and praying as I walked the dog around the neighborhood, a bubbling stew of conflicting emotions and questions about her and her situation – excitement about her new opportunities and experiences; fear about navigating life truly on her own. Have we taught her enough? How will she find the right people personally, professionally and spiritually? And on and on.

Once I calmed down, I headed home and figured I should start the day right, with a devotional. Once I read it, I began crying all over again – this time with tears of comfort, relief and joy – since the devotional focused on the words of Jesus in Mark 5:36: “Don’t be afraid; just believe.” It was like Jesus reached right into my heart to put me at ease. Just like He did years before, right before she was born …

My pregnant wife and I had rushed to the hospital after her doctor had told her the amniotic fluid was dangerously low. To say the least, it was nerve-racking experience since this was six weeks before her due date and there were concerns about the baby’s development; nurses and doctors coming and going constantly; and did I mention it was a heck of a way to spend our anniversary?

Yet, in the midst of the chaos, when we flipped open the Bible Kristin had stashed in her “Go Bag”, it landed on the words of Jesus in Mark 5:36: “Don’t be afraid; just believe.” And instantly, we were wrapped in peace and calm, secure in the knowledge Jesus was with us and the baby during this major life change.

I was grateful for the reminder from Him during this most recent major change in my daughter’s life. I can worry and fret and wonder about all kinds of things for her and about her, and that’s normal, initially.

But ultimately, as a Christian, I should not remain focused and stranded and stuck on those fears and unknowns. A foundation of faith in Jesus is supposed to turn us toward peace, even though whatever situation we’re in screams out for us to be anxious and worried and fearful (Philippians 4:6-8).

What are you worried about, and how are you finding peace about it?

Photo by Josh Sorenson: https://www.pexels.com/photo/high-road-surrounded-by-green-tress-during-daytime-59513/