In the last summers of my life, I hope to frolic between haystacks in fields of yellow and dine upon honeysuckle from the vine, just as I did when I was a child.
Perhaps I should do better today to bring such hopes to life. Yet the posture of responsibility often distances me from both energy and rest, bringing a quiet awareness of the long and short of time — that I have but a moment to live an unknown number of moments.
Much of adulthood is spent sacrificing for something or someone in search of meaning, security, health, acceptance, and peace.
We can become easily distracted and discontented—whether from exhaustion, an aging mind and body, boredom, comparison, doubt, or frustration at falling short of who we think we should be.
Life holds a firm measure of both certainty and mystery; either can breed concern that clouds still waters.
We tend to ready ourselves based on “what if” more than “even if,” worrying over possible trouble instead of trusting that God remains in control no matter the trouble.
We find platforms of engagement often in three familiar realms: sustenance and economics, justice and politics, and peace and spirituality. It is curious to note how these mirror the temptations Satan brought to Jesus in the wilderness (see Matthew 4:1-11).
After Jesus fasted for forty days and forty nights, the devil urged Jesus to turn stones into bread to satisfy His hunger. Jesus replied with the words of Deuteronomy 8:3: “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”
Satan then tempted Him to jump from the highest point of the temple to test God’s protection. Jesus answered with Deuteronomy 6:16: “It is also written: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’”
Finally, Satan offered Jesus all the kingdoms of the world if He would worship him. Jesus declared, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only’” (Deuteronomy 6:13).
Jesus did not deny the reality of hunger, the longing for protection, or the desire for influence. Instead, He submitted each one to His Father’s will and Word.
Led by the Holy Spirit into the wilderness, Jesus showed us the path to resist distraction and fear, not by escaping responsibility, but by anchoring every need and ambition in humble dependence on God.
In a world that pulls us toward self-reliance and endless striving, Jesus invites us back to childlike faith. As Jesus said in Matthew 18:3, “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.”
Which platform—provision, power, or protection—tempts you into overthinking and worrying the most?
May we bring our concerns and doubts honestly before the Lord, choosing to trust God, not only in the “what if,” but also in the “even if.”
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls” (Matthew 11:28-29).
This column was initially published by CherryRoad Media. For more inspirational articles, follow ©Tiffany Kaye Chartier.
