This blog post is about trusting loved ones, specifically children, to the Lord.  We raise our kids to be independent of us, but there can be reluctance on our part when the time comes to let them go!  It starts with kindergarten when you send them off with a smile, a kiss, and a hug, then turn around to find the Kleenex.  The whole scenario repeats itself over, and over, and over!!  There is no end to the opportunities to trust in the Lord! 

Psalm 56:3 When I am afraid, I will put my trust in You.

So in 1999, it was time for our youngest daughter to leave the nest.

From the journal . . . . August 1999

Lord, I’m a little heavy hearted.  We take Wendy to Multnomah today.  She’s never been gone from us for more than ten days and always with people we knew well.  It will be a good time for her, and I am grateful for the opportunity, but I will miss her so much.  I admit I’m also worried.  I’m sorry, Lord.

And The Lord Said to Me:

I have kept her safe in Tacoma.  It is I who watches over her. 

Isaiah 42:6a “I am the Lord, I have called You in righteousness, I will also hold You by the hand and watch over You,

I am going with her.  That hasn’t changed. She’s following Me by going, but it’s hard for her to leave family and friends.

Lord, I love you.  I trust You, but I have so far to go in breaking from my flesh.  You are so faithful.

This was a very encouraging word from Jesus because I needed reminders not to worry.  God’s Word is saturated with verses telling us not to worry or be afraid.  Faith pleases God and worry or fear doesn’t.  I remember feeling very convicted about worry early in my walk with the Lord.  However, considering the many times He tells us to trust and not fear, He clearly knows we are prone to that emotion.  He is patiently gentle, merciful, persistent, and kind to point us to Himself.

Here’s some encouraging verses but far from exhaustive:

Deut. 31:6 Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid or tremble at them, for the Lord your God is the one who goes with you. He will not fail you or forsake you.”

Psalm 56:4 In God, whose word I praise, In God I have put my trust; I shall not be afraid. What can mere man do to me?

Jer 30:10 ‘Fear not, O Jacob My servant,’ declares the Lord, ‘And do not be dismayed, O Israel; For behold, I will save you from afar And your offspring from the land of their captivity. And Jacob will return and will be quiet and at ease, And no one will make him afraid.

Luke 12:32 Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has chosen gladly to give you the kingdom.

I knew what to do about the worry but the missing her was just sad. She left a huge void in my everyday life and we didn’t even have cell phones!   Thankfully, help for that is also found in God’s word!  Think on the good things and be grateful! Best way to end the pity party is to give Praise to the Lord Most High!!

Phil 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things.

Isaiah 61:3 To grant those who mourn in Zion, Giving them a garland instead of ashes, The oil of gladness instead of mourning, The mantle of praise instead of a spirit of fainting. So they will be called oaks of righteousness, The planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified.

Psalm 34:1 I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth.