I Worry Too Much

Q. I constantly worry about my two kids. Sometimes I lie awake at night thinking about all the things that could go wrong or harm them. Even praying about my concerns doesn't seem to ease my mind. Any suggestions for this anxious mom?

A. I remember when I experienced similar feelings. I not only worried about my children's physical safety, but also about their spiritual welfare in the midst of an ungodly culture. God taught me an important lesson that applies to both our fears.

I was at my church's mid-week prayer service when I, along with many others, stood to indicate I had a special prayer need. I wanted prayer for God to protect my children because I was growing increasingly afraid for them, and I felt out of control. The older my children became, the more I felt them slip from my protective grasp.

The moment I stood, 2 Timothy 1:12 popped into my mind: "I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him for that day."

Immediately I understood the Lord was telling me that while I never can protect my kids adequately, he can. All I can do—and ultimately all I need to do—is commit them into his hands every day and then trust him. Good thing I know that God's more than able to take care of my children. You know that, too. Now place your kids into the only hands in which they'll truly be safe.

Lisa Whelchel is the author of Creative Correction (Focus on the Family), So You're Thinking About Homeschooling (Multnomah), and the founder of MomTime Get-A-Ways. She and her husband, Steve, have three children. E-mail your parenting questions for Lisa to parentingfeedback@christianitytoday.com.

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