Waiting, Not Worrying

Each morning, I walk into my backyard thinking, "Maybe this will be the day!"  As I approach the tilled ground, I peek underneath and around and over the plants covered in big, beautiful, succulent peppers.  Anyone in their right mind would be elated to see so much glorious green fruit weighing the plants down.  That is, unless they were waiting for those green globules to turn yellow or red...and that's what I'm doing...waiting.

I have been waiting for a really long time.  At least it seems that way.  Sometimes, I get impatient and just go ahead and pick a pepper that I think MIGHT be turning.  I know I need to be patient and that patience will pay off, but it sure is difficult on my mental state and my stomach!

Gardening reminds me of life.  Sometimes things don't always move along as quickly as I desire.  I must wait.  But in that waiting, I can choose to grow anxious and pick the fruit early, or be patient and wait for the sweetness of maturity.

Ps. 37:7-8 says, "Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him, Do not fret because of him who prospers in his way, because of the man who brings wicked schemes to pass.  Cease from anger, and forsake wrath.  Do not fret - it only causes harm."        

God's perspective on this issue of waiting is to do so, patiently and without worry.  After all, worry only causes harm (v. 8).

So how in the world do we "not fret" while we wait?  The answer is probably something that you and I already know, but doesn't come to us very easily.  We are to rest in the Lord - trusting He knows best.

I feel like I write that phrase a lot, and I probably do.  However, I don't know about you, but I need to be reminded of this phrase...and reminded a lot!  "Do not worry Belinda - Trust Me. Believe ME when I tell you that I have it under My care and My control, even when it looks futile.  Don't get angry at Me for being slow in your eyes or angry at anyone else, either.  Those emotions only hurt, not help.  They cause no good thing to happen.  Trust me, Belinda...I've got this."

I don't know about you, but those verses make me want to have a "hands off" policy regarding my life and my peppers.  I will trust and not worry.  I will wait and be patient, confident that God can not only handle my every day frustrations and cares, but also the color my peppers.

Thanks God.  Thanks for reminding me to trust You in all things...to rest in Your will...to not worry over what You already have in Your hands.  Thank You, Father.