Learning to Lean

For social creatures, we’re so independent.

Someone asks us if something is wrong or if we’re okay, the response is always, “I’m fine.” Even if we’re clearly not fine; we just want the person not to press on. We want to handle it ourselves.

That is the worst possible thing we can do.

I’ve learned so much over the last few years that I cannot handle anything on my own. Sure, it helps to know my family and friends have my back and I can talk to them if I need to, but they can only do so much. They cannot take care of my health issues, my mom’s health issues, my school work, finances… well, you get the picture. You’ve probably been there yourself.

What I’ve learned to do more and more is rely on God because He’s the only one who can take care of every aspect of my life, including my mental health to ensure I don’t have a nervous breakdown. In fact, if I didn’t have God in my life, I think I probably would’ve broken down by now.

“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” – 1 Peter 5:7

I’ve had plenty of setbacks and there’s no doubt that I will (unfortunately) have more, but that’s what happens in life; we have setbacks. And many times for Christians it’s a trial to see if we will handle it the right way and leave what we cannot handle to God. Sadly, I’ve failed many times. I wait too long until I’m at the breakdown point to turn to God and I know that I know better. So no, I’m not perfect at casting my cares to God, but I’m better than I used to be, especially when it comes to encouraging my mom or my friends that “God’s got it.”

That is a really comforting thought:

“God’s got it.”

“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” – Jeremiah 29:11

He’s proven it to me many times in my life that He knows what’s going to happen and why things are happening in my life, particularly when it has come to my path in my education. He’s led me to the right schools to meet the right people, make the right connections and of course, get the right education. No matter what choices I make, even if they’re the wrong ones, God has it and He’ll make it right by turning a bad situation into something good.

So yeah, I get to the point where I panic and worry because I’m still human and I make mistakes. I’m just learning more and more to lean on God and know that He’s working in all areas in my life all the time.