good timing

I woke up yesterday a touch anxious.   Thoughts for both this trip and long term popped into my head like “Where will we live?  How/what will we eat?  What will we bring over?  How will we see everyone we want to see before going?  How long will it take me to be able to communicate simple stuff in Japanese?  How will I relate to new teammates and nationals?  How will support raising stuff go?  What will people think of me/us?"  Yep, and that’s the short list. 

Anyhoo, I sometimes use www.sacredspace.ie to help lead and/or start me in prayer, and the verses of the day were from Matthew 6:24-34 on worry. What neat timing to read:

“…your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But strive first for the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well…” This, of course, is in the context of statements about not worrying about ___ and ____ and ____. Why? My heavenly Father knows my needs, he cares for and values me, and worrying is rather futile and unproductive. Good morning, perspective.

Then in church, our pastor was preaching on Psalm 32.  I was having trouble concentrating because of thoughts like “Where will we be placed? How will we know? What if Robert and I have different ideas from one another and/or the agency? What will I/he/we do long-term?” (again, the short list).

While I don’t necessarily know what the pastor said, I know that I heard and was grateful for verse 8:

“I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go. I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.” My focus went to who will instruct, teach, and counsel.  It's the Sovereign God, my Loving Father, my Prince of Peace.