Oswald Chamber’s words that I read this morning — words that he wrote a century ago — resound in my ears.

God is my Father.

He loves me.

I shall never think of anything He will forget.

Why should I worry?

God is my Father and he does love me. I say I believe that. I’ve banked my whole life on the fact that it’s true. But doesn’t my anxiety show that somewhere deep inside I harbor at least a kernel of doubt and mistrust? Otherwise, why in the world would I ever be presumptuous enough to think that I need to be the one to take care of things? That if I don’t lay awake at night thinking through every scenario for Him, perhaps something will slip by the God of the universe. Why else would I wonder (worry!) about so many details. How we’ll pay for my car. Whether the new edition of my book will turn out OK. (Will they sue me for gossip after my last post?) If my new book will be distributed in this century. Whether I’ll ever be able to pass my class and write this research paper without my brain exploding.

Daily and nightly, our young next-door neighbor bellows her favorite song with gusto. “Let it go.”  And I remember. Let go of the anxiety. No worries. Hakuna matata. Just trust Him. Anxiety and trust cancel each other out. I can’t hold on to both of them.

Oswald’s words today pour a balm over my anxious heart. They remind me of three truths I’ve recited to myself over and over throughout my life.

God is in control.

He has my best interests at heart.

He knows what I need.

He can take care of me! He always has. He won’t stop now. I can take Him at His word.

Better than any Disney song, let these words dwell in your heart today:

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.  Phil. 4:6-8

Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.   Co. 3:1-2

Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake?  If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!   Matthew 7:9-11