Q: How does one give problems and worries to God and forget about them? I admit to failing miserably in that area. — Shirl
A: We all face challenges and problems from time to time, and sometimes it can be tempting to stress and worry — especially about problems beyond our control. God invites us in Matthew 11:28: “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (NKJV).
But difficulties come when we don’t completely trust God with our problems, trying instead to work things out ourselves.
I invite you to read (or re-read) the chapter, “A Knowledge of God,” in that marvelous little book “Steps to Christ.” Here’s one of many gems found there: “If we will but listen, God’s created works will teach us precious lessons of obedience and trust. From the stars that in their trackless courses through space follow from age to age their appointed path, down to the minutest atom, the things of nature obey the Creator’s will. And God cares for everything and sustains everything that He has created. … When men go forth to their daily toil, as when they engage in prayer; when they lie down at night, and when they rise in the morning; … each is tenderly watched by the heavenly Father. No tears are shed that God does not notice. There is no smile that He does not mark. If we would but fully believe this, all undue anxieties would be dismissed. Our lives would not be so filled with disappointment as now; for everything, whether great or small, would be left in the hands of God who is not perplexed by the multiplicity of cares, or overwhelmed by their weight. We should then enjoy a rest of soul to which many have long been strangers” (pp. 85, 86).