lean, weary one

One Sunday morning, I sat comfortably in an air-conditioned church, wondering about my future almost dismally. Worry and fear tossed and turned inside me. If someone had asked me how I had felt weeks or months leading up to this moment, I would've gave a cheeky grin and two thumbs up. But all good things come to an end, and the looming reality of loneliness (something I've addressed here) awaited. I smiled at my friends who sat whispering and trading notes around me, masking the sorrow beneath. The pastor had just finished his sermon and was closing with a song. He had us all stand, but as I lifted my eyes towards the words on the screen, my eyes filled with tears. An overwhelming sensation crashed over me and I remained seated, drinking in every word and drowning in His goodness. It's been a little over a year since that Sunday, but the other day I flipped open the hymn book and stumbled upon this song again. Even now, it still lifts my spirits, particularly the first and last verse I've included here:

Be not dismayed, what e'er betide,

God will take care of you;

Beneath His wings of love abide,

God will take care of you.

God will take care of you,

Through every day, o'er all the way;

He will take care of you,

God will take care of you.

No matter what may be the test,

God will take care of you;

Lean, weary one, upon His breast,

God will take care of you.

A good reminder to me as a new chapter of my life is beginning all too soon. While some may find this tidbit too dramatic to be applied to the beginning of my college experience, I would like to just take a moment to say that though I am excited for this new adventure, I also face it with apprehension. Yes, a healthy dose of apprehension, but, nevertheless, still there and oh-so real. Holding on tight to His promise and to anybody feeling the same way (whether it's about college or something completely different,) this one's for you.

"Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all He has done. Then you will experience God's peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus." --Philippians 4:6-7 (NLT)

A peace that passeth all understanding. There's not much in my book that can top that. Can I get an amen?

Well, I think that's enough to chew on. Hope you all are doing fantastic. Grab those flippy-flops out the closet and bring on the weekend. I'll be seeing ya. xo