The other day, I needed co tackle a dreaded first-world problem: adding a line to our cell phone plan. After researching the myriad of options, l planned my trip up the AT&T store. Now, when I say I planned my trip ... I mean to tell you I did some preparation. I emailed screen-shots of different plans from my computer yo my phone. I made a detailed list of questions with bullet points. I talked myself up: "Ok, I'm not an idiot. This is indeed confusing. I have what it cakes to ask these questions inrelligenty. I can do this." l took several sheets of paper to write on ... (one might not be enough!) And, l even prayed. (No surprise there .. .I have prayed over more trivial matters.)
Garrick greeted me as I entered, shaking my hand and asking how he could help me. I asked him if he felt like he had a lot of patience. He jokingly said "no," and then, with a smile said "Whacha got?" I explained the upshot of what I was doing and told him I had a ton of questions. He said, "let's knock 'em out." And we did! What I had set aside an hour to do took all of 5 minutes. I only needed a quarter of a sheet of paper. It turned our that my radar for being conned wasn't needed. And, inside, I felt embarrassed that I had gotten myself all worked up for nothing. I walked out the door laughing at myself, thankful for knowledgeable, friendly people who do their jobs well. .. and feeling as though God just patted me on the back and said, "relax."
I don't know how involved God truly was in my AT&T experience that day, but I like to thank Him for everything good; and there was something very settling to me about that encounter. That "pat on the back" feeling felt like grace ... and I also sensed a small, loving admonition that said "Stop striving so hard. I'm here." That was a message I could apply all over my life at that moment. I took it in ... and celebrated the Lord's gentleness toward me.
There had been many reasons for my angst and preparation, including prior unpleasant experiences with these kinds of decisions ... a perception of being passed over, rushed, or deceived in that past. Most of you can relate. Either in business situations or personal relationships, an irritation has left a callous. When similar circumstances arise, you feel the need to "bow up," put on your armor, and prepare for battle. While we ail indeed need wisdom, discernment, and good boundaries for healthy relationships, it is beneficial to ask ourselves occasionally, "Am I working too hard at this?"
We know the verse "Be still and know that I am God" (Psalm 46:1 0). Take a look these other translations and see what resonates with you: "Cease striving and know that I am God." "Stop your fighting - and know that I am God." "Be in awe and know that I am God." "Let go [of your concerns]!Then you will know that I am God." "Desist, and know that I am God." Desist is not a word you hear every day ... one of its definitions is "call to a halt." I love that. Do you need to come to a halt?
Psalm 55:22 declares, "Cast your burden upon the Lord, and He will sustain you; He will never allow the righteous to be shaken." And we read in 1 Peter 5:7, "cast all your anxiety upon Him, because He cares for you." God is ready to greet each one of us today. Like Garrick, he is asking confidently, "Whacha got?" He desires to lighten our load when we pour out our concerns to Him. Bur what if your list is long? What if you have a ton of questions? It will rake longer than five minutes. Indeed, we need to walk and talk with Him our whole lives. Bur, most assuredly, you and your Father will "knock 'em out." Lord, let us notice those pays on the back that you give, and celebrate yhem. Teach us to be still.
Jo is a Licensed Professional Counselor at St. Mark’s. You can reach her by phone (601- 259-1749) or email (.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)).
