Beyond

As I drove north toward Oklahoma, my shoulders tense and mind whirring, I turned on some of my favorite Christmas songs that evoked worship and praise. And sang as loud as I could. 

By the time I got where I was going, my worries had subsided and my focus was back on Jesus.

Yes, my circumstances remained the same.

Yes, it was all beyond my control.

But, my faith had returned. Beyond what would be considered rational.

God was in control, and I could trust Him — beyond what I could think or even hope for.

That night I kept waking in the night. The worry was back. My head knew God would carry me through the next few days, but my emotions were running in the other direction. Flipping and flopping, I finally focused on Jesus, calling on Him to be my Good Shepherd — to make me lie down in His green pastures, to lead me beside quiet waters where He’d refresh my soul. I breathed in and out and prayed Psalm 23 over and over until I fell asleep.

I awoke aware that much rode on other people’s choices that day, but my hope in my faithful God kept me afloat, carrying me beyond fears and what-if’s.

With each moment throughout the day, I breathed those Psalm 23 prayers, choosing to trust God, and little by little God answered every prayer. Big steps were taken and promises fulfilled. All those imagined worst-case scenarios were for naught. That day I witnessed what felt like miracles as the people I love so much made good choices.

God met me this week in ways beyond my imagination, certainly beyond what I could have done by myself. He once again demonstrated His faithfulness. And, He reminded me that putting my trust in Him requires intention and surrender — beyond my own strength, for sure. But, as He showed me these last few days, He is always present and providing. Beyond.