I write to you this week from Dublin Ireland. This past week has been filled with travel, tours, and time spent with my husband. We have toured from one end of the island to the other and everywhere I go I’m reminded how we continue to put our faith and trust in others.

For instance, on the flight from Chicago to London, I watched from a tiny five-inch screen the flight of the aircraft as it soared over the Atlantic Ocean. I quickly realized that I didn’t know the name of the pilot, although I know he mentioned his name at the beginning of the flight. I didn’t know how qualified he was to fly the plane; I didn’t ask for his credentials. I didn’t know his background or religion but I trusted him to fly the aircraft from one destination to the other. Why was his name so important to me? Perhaps, because I realized my life was in his hands.

With every decision we make, we are allowing ourselves to be vulnerable. While being served a meal from a restaurant we trust the food is not tainted. When given directions, we trust the person giving them is more familiar with the area than we are and will not lead us astray. We trust our spouse will love us forever because of a promise that was made long ago. But what happens when our trust is shaken or others don’t live up to our expectations? In my case, I tend to worry.

Jesus tells us in Matthew 6:25, “Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing?”

Continuing in Matthew 6:33, Jesus tells us, “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you, therefore do not worry.”

We could worry about our past and we can drive ourselves crazy worrying about our future but we are told by Jesus in Matthew 6:27, “Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?”

I am guilty of wanting to have control over every aspect of my life but I am constantly reminded that my choices are not always those of our heavenly Father. I could pray that God would take away the burden and the worries but that would be like asking God to fill me with faith instead of me moving aside and following Him completely, unquestionably, and without reservation. He offers us comfort, direction, and His love. All we have to do is let Him be our guide.

There is really only one name that I need to remember and that name is "Jesus." So, today, remember, don't worry! Jesus is very much in control.

Written by Brenda Bates – January 2006

Jesus, Jesus, Jesus

There's Just Something About That Name

Jesus, Jesus, Jesus

There's just something about that name

Master, Savior, Jesus

Like the fragrance after the rain

Jesus, Jesus, Jesus

Let all Heaven and Earth proclaim

Kings and kingdoms

Will all pass away

But there's something about that Name.

Words and Music Public Domain

Prayer to the Father:

Holy and Glorious Father, I adore and love You. I confess that I am a disobedient child and always want to do things my own way and in my own time. Thank You for having a better plan…a perfect plan….a wonderful plan for my life. Thank You for continuing to love me unconditionally. You wait patiently for me to hurry back into Your arms to receive forgiveness and to seek Your comfort. So many times I look to others for guidance and direction and most often find You in their responses and their expressions of love. Help me Lord to see the good in others and help me to be the good others see of You. Father I sometimes forget Who is in control. I constantly worry about where the next dollar will come from, the next meal, or when the next storm will clear. Lord I know that this is a sin yet I allow doubt to creep into my thoughts and darken my spirits. Guide me Lord into Your brilliant Light so that I can live close by You, to serve You, and glorify You above all. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.

Personal Thoughts:

When I was a child I relied on my parents for everything. Today I find myself trying to be the adult for others but realize that parental guidance comes from one source only…Jesus my Lord and Master.