³ You keep him in perfect peace
    whose mind is stayed on you,
    because he trusts in you.
⁴ Trust in the Lord forever,
    for the Lord God is an everlasting rock. – Isaiah 26:3-4 (ESV)

I wish I could tell you I have it all together. I wish I could tell you I’m never anxious, never worried, never have a doubt cross my mind.

I wish I could say I always stay ahead of my depression. I wish circumstances never bothered me, never tripped me up. I wish I didn’t want to crawl off to live in a cave (with electricity and high-speed internet, of course).

I wish I could tell you I have it all together.

But I don’t.

And that’s a good thing.

You see, if I had it all together – if I never had a care, never a worry, never a doubt – I would be delusional. These things make me realize how much I need my Heavenly Father. When the weight on my shoulders becomes too much, the LORD reminds me what Jesus said:

²⁸ Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. ²⁹ Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. ³⁰ For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

– Matthew 11:28-30 (ESV)

When the burden is too heavy, He gives me the prescription to my anguish:

⁴ Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. ⁵ Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; ⁶ do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. ⁷ And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

⁸ Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. ⁹ What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.

– Philippians 4;4-9 (ESV)

God’s word reflects reality. How I view my circumstances is not an accurate reflection of reality. I’m not perfect. I’m not omniscient, omnipotent or omnipresent.

But God is.

And God’s plan for my life is perfect. His love, grace and mercy are there for me. He is with me – always. He has my life and every aspect of it – large and small – in His hands.

And this perfect, all-knowing, all-powerful, ever-present God is my Father. And He loves me.

And He loves you.

And you don’t need to have it all together, either. Cast your cares on God. Get in His Word and stay there. (I’ve been soaking in Philippians 4 for a couple of weeks.) When the worrisome thoughts descend, focus on God and His promises. Pray.

And I humbly ask you to pray for me. And I will pray for you.

I’m glad I don’t have to have it all together. I need to pray, to trust, to rest in God. He is faithful, even when I am not.

Thank you, Father.