Those words spell trouble. “Life will be more complete when I…” what, win the lottery? Am more comfortable with my finances? Get my problematic relationships figured out? When we allow fear and doubt to live rent-free in our head, the tempter fills us with “when I” and “if only.” I think it was about forty-five years ago when I remember my aunt and uncle wondering if my cousins were ever going to start a family and make them grandparents. My older cousin said, “maybe never”. Turning to my younger cousin, she said “after him.” It was all in good family fun of course, but it was still a few more years before their households were growing.

We really can’t change anything unless or until we face it. Why do we wast our time and energy over things that are beyond our control? We default to the “when x happens, then life will be better”. For us and our lives, road blocks often include denial. We do not have the luxury of time on our side. We cling fiercely to our attitudes and viewpoints because they have always “worked” for us. Thankfully, we have each other to check us on our “stuff”.

We have a wonderful story given us by a God who loves us unconditionally. I think we all know what the best ending to the “when I” statement is: …let go and let God. God trusts us enough to give us free will over the daily decisions. Of course, those are always made best prayerfully. God never withholds His answer, His response. Remember that there are exactly 365 verses in the Bible that say “fear not.” It kind of takes anxiety out of the picture, doesn’t it?

Pastor Art