Lou Skalney’s father, in my novel The Divine Meddler, raised him to believe that a man takes care of business. That didn’t work out so well for Lou, but I can relate. I’m a bit like him with my Type A personality. I make “to-do” lists and conquer them (usually) and problem-solving is my first line of defense.

Losing Control

And then something goes wrong, and my best laid plans blow up. I can’t come up with a solution. Fate wins this round. I toss and turn all night, my mind circling the problem like a wagon train circling a campfire. I try to distract myself and concentrate on my breathing. That works for ten seconds and I’m back at it like a dog with a bone.

Breaking the Cycle

When my alarm goes off, waking me from the only ten minutes of sleep I’d gotten, I drag myself out of bed, make a strong cuppa, and settle on the sofa with my Bible. Soon, a blessed peace creeps into my soul. I read of Jesus’ admonition to not worry about tomorrow because there’s enough to worry about today. And where does it get you anyway?

Then there are my favorite verses:

Romans 8:28 “And we know that all things work together for good, to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.”

Proverbs 3:5-6 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.”

Psalm 139: 9-10 “If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, even there Your hand shall lead me, and Your right hand shall hold me.”

Translation

God’s in charge, not me. No matter how things look, He’s holding me in the palm of His hand. I can trust Him. I will not fight, but rest in His sovereignty.

In other words, to quote Alfred E. Newman of Mad Magazine fame, “What? Me worry?”